DETECTION OF CD44 VARIANTS IN PINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSIES OF THYROID-TUMOR BY RT-PCR

Increased expression of CD44 variants is often observed in differentia ted thyroid carcinomas. To estabilish a method for gene diagnosis of t hyroid without any additional invasions to the patients, RNA in leftov er cells inside the needle used for fine needle aspiration biopsies (F NABs) was extracted to detect the expression of CD44 variants by rever se transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After FNAB and pr eparation of sample on a slide glass for cytological examinations, RNA in leftover cells inside the needle was extracted. After reverse tran scription, cDNA was amplified by PCR with specific primers for CD44. T he results were compared with the cytological diagnosis. CD44 variants were detectable in all seven samples that were diagnosed as positive cytology. However, they were detected in only five of the 29 samples o f negative cytology. Therefore, thyroid tumors may be more accurately diagnosed by a combination of cytological examination and detection of CD44 variants in RNA obtained by FNAB.