Introduction: Cell adhesion molecules play a significant role in the cellular connection of normal cells. The cadherins are believed to act as tumour suppressors, and their altered expression and function have been associated with tumour development.
Aim and methods: The authors examined the expression of a Ca++ dependent intercellular adhesion molecule, P-cadherin using an immunohistochemical method in 69 surgically resected breast carcinomas.
Results: P-cadherin was detected in 30 cases (43.5%, cytoplasmic and/or membrane staining). The expression of P-cadherin was independent of tumour size and lymph node status, but correlated with a high tumour grade (grade III). In contrast, expression of E-cadherin correlated with lower tumour grade (grade I-II). P-cadherin expression was not detected in invasive lobular carcinomas.
Conclusion: In general, P-cadherin was expressed at a lower frequency compared to E-cadherin, alpha-, and beta-catenin. These results suggest that an inverse relationship may exist between E- and P-cadherin in relation to grade, and that the expression of P-cadherin may be a marker of aggressiveness.