OVEREXPRESSION OF P34(CDC2) PROTEIN-KINASE IN EPITHELIAL OVARIAN-CARCINOMA

Objective: To investigate the role of expression of p34(cdc2) protein kinase in normal, benign, and malignant ovarian epithelium. Material a nd Methods: Tissue sections from 24 patients with epithelial ovarian c arcinoma (EOC) along with 6 normal ovarian specimens and 12 benign cys tadenomas were incubated with mouse IgG monoclonal antibody to human p 34(cdc2) protein kinase, followed by detection with use of a standard peroxidase-labeled streptavidin-biotin technique, Immunohistochemical staining was graded and compared, Clinical data were also reviewed. Re sults: Normal surface epithelium and 10 of 12 benign cystadenomas fail ed to stain for p34(cdc2) protein kinase, Of the 24 EOC specimens, how ever, 19 (79%) stained positively, The staining pattern or intensity w as not associated with the histologic grade or surgical stage. Conclus ion: Expression of p34(cdc2) protein kinase is strongly up-regulated i n most cases of EOC but not in normal epithelial ovarian tissue or in most cases of benign epithelial tumors evaluated, Therefore, it may be associated with early events in carcinogenesis, Redundant overexpress ion of cyclin-dependent kinases such as p34(cdc2) may contribute to de ranged cell cycle progression and proliferation of EOC, Observation of overexpression of p34(cdc2) protein kinase in other malignant lesions suggests a common mechanism.