Immunodetection of Heparan Sulphate and Heparanase Molecules in Benign and Malignant Odontogenic Tumors

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Immunolocalization of heparan sulphate (HS) and heparanase was evaluated in benign and malignant odontogenic tumors in order to know whether these molecules have potential roles in odontogenic tumorigenesis. In benign epithelial tumors such as ameloblastoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, both molecules were localized only in neoplastic epithelium but in ameloblastic fibroma, positive reactions were observed in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Stromal localization of HS accompanied by intense immunoexpression of epithelial heparanase was observed in ameloblastic carcinoma, and this may represent the malignant progression of ameloblastoma to ameloblastic carcinoma. Taken together, it can be inferred from the results that apparent immunolocalization of heparanase may be a significant initiating factor in neoplastic transformation of odontogenic tissues.