Correlation of lining thickness and expression of α₂ and α₃ integrins within the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts

Abstract

Using monoclonal antibodies, we performed immunohistochemical investigations of the expression of α₂, α₃ and β₄ integrin subunits within the squamous epithelial linings of odontogenic cysts. Tissue samples consisted of both follicular cysts and odontogenic keratocysts from 15 patients. It was found that β₄ integrin was expressed on the basement membrane regardless of the histological type of the cyst. The degree of immunostaining for α₂ and α₃ integrin expression corresponded to the thickness of the epithelial cyst wall. We found that the thickness of the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts had a direct correlation with the expression of integrin molecules.(J Osaka Dent Univ 1998；32：43-46)