OBJECTIVETo study hTERT mRNA expression in ameloblastoma (AB) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and to investigate genesis, development and biological characteristics of AB and OKC.

METHODShTERT mRNA expression in 54 cases of AB, 16 cases of OKC, 7 cases of oral normal mucosa was detected by in situ hybridization.

RESULTSThe positive rates of hTERT mRNA in AB, OKC, and oral normal mucosa were 94.4% (51/54), 87.5% (14/16), 1/7, respectively. There was significant statistical difference (P < 0.001). About clinicalpathology of AB, there was no difference for hTERT expression (P > 0.05) hTERT mRNA was positive in peripheral and stellate reticula cells.

CONCLUSIONS(1) hTERT activity plays an important role in genesis, development of AB. (2) hTERT positive rate is related to cell differentiation and clinical biological behavior.

Ameloblastoma ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Jaw Neoplasms ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Odontogenic Tumors ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Telomerase ; genetics