Abstract:

Objective To examine the cellular distribution and the role of β-catenin in epidermal tumors. Methods Expression of a-catenin was investigated by immunohistochemical staining in 20 patients with Bowen's disease (BD), 20 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 20 basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and 40 normal cont rols. Results Expression of β-catenin was strongest on the cell membranes of basal cells, but nearly negative in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of epidermal cells in normal controls. Expression of β-catenin was significantly lower on the cell membranes in SCC and BCC cells than that in normal epidermal cells (P<0.001). Significantly stronger expression of β-catenin was found in the cytoplasm and nuclei of BD and SCC cells than that of normal controls (P<0.001 and P=0.005, respectively). Conclusion The accumulation of β-catenin in the cytoplasm and nuclei of BD and SCC cells might bedue to mutation of β-catenin gene. The increased β-catenin may have an important role in the development of epidermal tumors.

Key words: Carcinoma, squamous cell, Carcinoma, basal cell, Bowen’s disease, β-catenin