Changes of integrin expression in rat hepatocarcinogenesis induced by 3'-Me-DAB

AIM:To investigate the expression of integrins in rats liver during 3'-Me -DAB induced hepatocarcinogenesis and to find out the relationship between integrins and liver cancer metastasis.METHODS:The expressions of integrins alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(3) and alpha(5) and epidermal keratin (EK) were observed by immunohisto chemical PAP method.RESULTS:In the normal liver tissues, hepatocytes express integrins alpha(1) and alpha(5) and in the bile duct epithlium, EK. In liver cirrhosis, hepatocytes highly express integrins alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(3) and alpha5and in hyperplastic bile duct epithelium, integrins alpha(1), alpha(5) and EK. Expression of integrins alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(3) and alpha(5) were obviously decreased in the preneoplastic nodules and primary carcinoma but expressions of integrins alpha(1) and alpha(5) in metastasis in the lung and diaphragma were higher than those in primary carcinoma.CONCLUSION:Integrins alpha(1) and alpha(5) may play a major role in chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis in rats.