Immunohistochemical evaluation of CD44 expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of human salivary glands

CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule that functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and angiogenesis, as well as in signaling for cell survival. CD44 acts also as the main hyaluronan receptor. CD44 has been implicated to have a role in carcinogenesis. Aim of the study In this study the expression of CD44 in mucoepidermoid carcinoma was detected and correlated with the histopathological grade. Material and methods peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical technique for the detection of CD44 expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the expression of CD44 in high and low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Yet, the pattern of expression varied in both. Conclusion CD44 pattern of expression correlates with mucoepidermoid carcinoma histopathological grade. Correlates with increased proliferative activity and presumably increased cellular motility. Summary From this study it was deducted that over-expression of CD44 correlates with increased proliferative activity and presumably increased cellular motility.