OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) and Claudin-4 in human pancreatic carcinoma and to discuss its role in the ontogenesis of pancreatic cancer.

METHODSPancreatic carcinoma tissue microarray was constructed, containing 100 cores of 10 normal adult pancreas tissues, 12 chronic pancreatitis tissues, and 78 pancreatic carcinomas. The expressions of PSCA and Claudin-4 were detected using immunohistochemical method and the relationship between PSCA and Claudin-4 and the pancreatic carcinoma was analyzed.

RESULTSThe positive expression rates of PSCA and Claudin-4 protein in pancreatic carcinoma were 79. % and 88. % respectively. PSCA and Claudin-4 staining were more intense in malignant cells than in chronic pancreatic tissues and normal adult pancreas tissues. No evidence was found for an association between expressions of PSCA and Claudin-4 and other variables, including gender, age at surgery, and tumor grade.

CONCLUSIONSThe expressions of PSCA and Claudin-4 are related to the pancreatic carcinomas. PSCA and Claudin-4 play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer, but PSCA and Claudin-4 are not correlated with the clinical pathology of tumor.

Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; Carcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Claudin-4 ; Female ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Up-Regulation