Apoptotic changes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

We examined apoptosis in paraffin-embedded archival cervical tissues from c ervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) cases to determine whether the apop totic process is involved in the cellular changes of CIN. Apoptotic bodies, determined by the Tunel method, were largely found at the surface epitheli um in a few tissue specimens with no significant abnormality and in most ti ssues with CIN. Apoptotic bodies were also found within the stratified epit helium of CIN lesions and were altogether absent in specimens with no signi ficant abnormalities. The apoptotic index was significantly associated with the severity of CIN and not with either age or human papillomavirus infect ion. Based on the findings of increased numbers of apoptotic bodies and the ir presence within the stratified epithelium in CIN tissues, we hypothesize that dysregulation in the exfoliation of apoptotic cells and resistance to wards apoptosis may be prerequisites for the pathogenesis of CIN. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.