Purpose: The objective of the present study was to determine whether neural
cell adhesion molecules (NCAM; CD56) and neurothelin (CD147) are expressed
by adontogenic cells in the ameloblastoma.
Materials and Methods: Frozen sections from ameloblastoma specimens (n = 7)
were stained with monoclonal antibody-recognizing CD56 and CD147 molecules
using indirect immunoperoxidase and indirect immunofluorescent techniques.
Results: CD56 and CD147 molecules were strongly expressed by the peripheral
columnar cells of the tumor nests. Neurothetin reactivity was also present
in the stellate reticulum of the nests and in some stromal components.
Conclusions: The presence of these antigens in ameloblastoma supports the c
lassic view about the neural crest origin of cells giving use to this tumor
. (C) 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.