Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in normal, preneoplastic, and neoplastic colonic epithelium of the rat

K Yamada ¹, K Yoshitake , M Sato

⁰Department of Medicine, Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, Colorado.

Gastroenterology +

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July 1, 1992

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry reliably marks cell proliferation in normal and cancerous colon tissues. PCNA expression accurately reflects cell division rates, correlating with other proliferation markers.

Area Of Science

Gastroenterology
Oncology
Cell Biology

Background

Cell proliferation is crucial in normal tissue homeostasis and cancer development.
Identifying reliable markers for cell proliferation is essential for understanding tissue dynamics and disease progression.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the utility of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry as a marker for cell proliferation.
To compare PCNA expression with established proliferation markers in normal and carcinogen-induced colonic tissues.

Main Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for PCNA in normal rat intestinal and dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated colonic mucosa (nonneoplastic and neoplastic).
Correlation analysis of PCNA labeling index with [3H]thymidine incorporation and flow cytometry for S-phase fraction.
Assessment of PCNA expression patterns in response to DMH treatment and in induced tumors.

Main Results

PCNA expression was localized to the proliferative compartment in normal intestine.
PCNA labeling index strongly correlated with [3H]thymidine labeling and S-phase fraction.
DMH treatment induced crypt hyperplasia and expanded the PCNA-positive compartment, which persisted post-treatment.
PCNA and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation patterns were similar in DMH-induced tumors.

Conclusions

PCNA immunohistochemistry is a reliable marker for the proliferative compartment in both normal and neoplastic colonic mucosa.
PCNA serves as an effective indicator of cell proliferation changes during chemical carcinogenesis.

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