Objective: To clarify the phenotypic characteristics of abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation in oral carcinogenesis.
Methods: The expressions of gp230, a marker of epithelium cell differentiation, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in rat tongue carcinogenesis induced by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) were detected by LSAB immunohistochemical staining.
Results: With the progress of oral carcinogenesis abnormal proliferation and differentiation patterns were indicated by reduced expression of gp230 and increased expression of PCNA.
Conclusion: Oral carcinogenesis is the result of mucosa epithelium cell aberrant proliferation and differentiation.