Neural cell adhesion molecule and neurothelin expression in human ameloblastoma

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 classic view about the neural crest origin of cells giving use to this tumor. (C) 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.