Abstract:

Objective To investigate the expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 （CB2） in pigmented nevus and malignant melanoma and its significance. Methods The protein and mRNA expressions of CB2 were measured in tissue samples of 20 patients with pigmented nevus and 20 patients with malignant melanoma using immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR, respectively. Results CB2 was expressed in both pigmented nevus and malignant melanoma. In tissue of pigmented nevus, CB2 was chiefly expressed in nevocytes and basal cell layer, and only a small quantity of CB2 was expressed in subcutaneous tissue. Statistical differences were observed between samples of malignant melanoma and pigmented nevus in the expression intensity of CB2（P < 0.05）. Conclusions Increased protein and mRNA expressions of CB2 are observed in tissue of malignant melanoma, and the expression intensity of CB2 is higher in tissue of malignant melanoma than in that of pigmented nevus.