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Expression of apoptosis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and apoptosis‐related antigens (bcl‐2, c‐myc, Fas, Lewis and p53) in human cholangiocarcinomas and hepatocellular carcinomas
Author(s) -
Terada Tadarhi,
Nakanuma Yasuni
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
pathology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1827
pISSN - 1320-5463
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1996.tb03546.x
Subject(s) - apoptosis , proliferating cell nuclear antigen , antigen , cancer research , pathology , cell , immunohistochemistry , biology , medicine , immunology , biochemistry , genetics
In situ expression of apoptosis and its related antigens has rarely been evaluated in human liver tumors. Therefore, Investigation using in situ nick end‐labelling and Immunohistochemical methods of the in situ expression of apoptosis, prollferating cells, and apoptosis‐related antigens in 7 normal livers, 20 cholanglocarclnomas (CC) and 17 hepatocellular carclnomas (HCC) was done. Apoptotlc cells as determined by the nick end‐labelling method and proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive cells were present in all specimens, and the percentage of them was significantly higher in CC than In HCC. Bcl‐2 protein was present only in one CC e+nd one HCC, but was occasionally noted in bile ducts in non‐cancerous livers. C‐myc and Fas antigens were not found in any of the cases. Lewis y antigen was expressed In 8 CC, but was absent in the other cases although bile ducts In non‐cancerous livers frequently expressed Lewis y . p53 protein was present in 8 CC, but was absent in the other cases. Serial section observation showed that apoptotic cancer cells ware consistently negative for proliferating cell nuclear antigen; bcl‐2‐positive cells did not show apoptosis; p53‐positive cancer cells showed apoptosis. Some Lewis y positive cancer cells showed apoptosis, while others did not. These data suggest that apoptosis and cell proliferation are lnvolved in CC and HCC, and their degree is more severe in CC than In HCC. p53 protein (stimulative) may regulate apoptosis in some cases, whereas c‐myc, Fas and Lewis y are not relatad to apoptosb In CC and HCC in vivo . Many other factors may regulate apoptosis in CC and HCC in vivo .