Expression of Collagen IV α1 to α6 Chains in Basement Membranes of Odontogenic Tumors

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Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane (BM), demonstrates a stage- and position-specific distribution of its isoforms during tooth development. To determine its localization in BM of odontogenic neoplasms, immunohistochemistry using six anti-α(IV) chain-specific monoclonal antibodies was performed. Expression of α1(IV)/ α2(IV) and α5(IV)/ α6(IV) chains was stronger in the desmoplastic than in ordinary ameloblastomas. The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor distinctly expressed these chains in BM of cribriform areas and hyaline materials (which was also α4(IV)-positive. These five chains also stained BM and tumor cells of ameloblastic fibroma. Present results suggest that collagen IV composition and distribution in the basement membranes of odontogenic neoplasms plays a key role in tumor growth and progression.