We immunohistochemically examined the expression of E-cadherin (E-CD), α-catenin (α-CAT), and nuclear proliferating antigen Ki-67 in 5 granular cell ameloblastomas to investigate their biological characteristics. Expressed Ki-67 antigen was localized within the nucleus of only peripheral columnar/cuboidal cells. The mean Ki-67 labelling index was low (1.47%). Expression of E-CD and α-CAT was observed at the cell-cell boundaries of all peripheral columnar/cuboidal cells and some granular cells near the peripheral portion of the tumor nests. However, there was reduced expression of E-CD and α-CAT in granular cells at the central portion of the tumor nests.
