Distribution of basement membrane type IV collagen alpha chains in ameloblastoma: an immunofluorescence study

J Oral Pathol Med. 2002 Sep;31(8):494-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0714.2002.00162.x.

Abstract

Background: Type IV collagen, a heterotrimeric molecule that exists in six genetically distinct forms, alpha1(IV)-alpha6(IV) is a major structural component of basement membrane (BM) and acts as a scaffold for other BM constituents.

Methods: Indirect immunofluorescence using alpha chain-specific monoclonal antibodies was employed to clarify basement membrane (BM) collagen IV distribution in two ameloblastoma, and for comparison, on oral mucosa and tooth germ.

Results: Ameloblastoma BM expressed five of six genetically distinct forms of collagen IV: alpha1(IV), alpha2(IV), alpha5(IV) and alpha6(IV) chains occurred as intense linear stainings without disruption around neoplastic epithelium, and this expression pattern was fundamentally similar to oral mucosa BM; alpha4(IV) expression was rare and occurred around nests of primitive tumor cells or potentially invasive sites. The tooth germ demonstrated a stage- and position-specific collagen IV distribution: the inner enamel epithelium BM expressed alpha1(IV), alpha2(IV), and alpha4(IV) except in the cuspal predentine region; and the outer enamel epithelium BM expressed alpha1(IV), alpha2(IV), alpha5(IV), and alpha6(IV) chains.

Conclusions: Results suggest that collagen IV alpha chain distribution in ameloblastoma BM plays an important role in tumor cytodifferentiation and progression.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ameloblastoma / pathology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Basement Membrane / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Collagen Type IV / analysis*
  • Collagen Type IV / classification
  • Coloring Agents
  • Dental Enamel / pathology
  • Dentin / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Tooth Germ / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Collagen Type IV
  • Coloring Agents