Abstract
We examined the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and epidermal growth receptor (EGFR) in tissues of cholesteatoma and chronic otitis media using immunohistochemical technique. We determined whether or not a relationship exists between the ratio of PCNA-, EGFR-positive cells and the bone destruction of cholesteatoma. The degree of bone destruction was graded using a semiquantitative scale of 0 through 6. PCNA-positive cells were higher in the epithelium and granulation of cholesteatoma than those of chornic otitis media. The bone destruction due to cholesteatoma was significantly related to both the ratio of EGFR-positive cells (r=0.91, p< 0.01) and that of PCNA-positive cells (r=0.75, p< 0.01). In the granulation just at the edge of the areas of bone destruction, many PCNA-positive cells were found. The ratio of PCNA-positive cells was related to the ration of EGFR-positive cells (r=0.79, p < 0.01). These results suggested that the cells in cholesteatoma were actively proliferating and thus resulted in bone destruction.
