[Cell proliferation in odontogenic jaw cyst epithelium]

The aim of the study is to investigate the epithelial cell proliferation in the lining of odontogenic cysts with Ki-67 monoclonal antibody.

Ki-67 expression was studied in 30 odontogenic cysts (odontogenic keratocysts, n = 10; dentigerous cyst, n = 10; radicular cysts, n = 10), and normal oral epithelium (n = 10) by using a biotin streptavidin method on routinely processed paraffin sections after microwave treatment. Ki-67+ cells were counted manually and related to the area of epithelial lining as determined by computer image analyzer. The result was analyzed by using a computer image analyzer to calculate positive cells per square millimeter of the epithelial lining of odontogenic lesions. Data were analyzed by using student test.

The epithelial lining of odontogenic keratocysts contained the highest number of Ki-67+ cells, most of which were located in the suprabasal layers. The mean value of Ki-67+ cells in odontogenic keratocysts linings (1812.29 +/- 606.47 cells/mm2) were significantly higher than that of dentigerous (944.43 +/- 58.98 cells/mm2) and radicular cysts (610 +/- 26.4 cells/mm2) (P < 0.01). Negative reactions were obtained in the normal oral epithelium.

The results demonstrate that there are differences in Ki-67 expression between epithelial linings of the major odontogenic cysts, which were consistent with odontogenic keratocysts having a greater proliferative capability than dentigerous and radicular cysts. It also indicates differences in proliferation and differentiation processes within these lesions.