Immunohistochemical demonstration of alphaB-crystallin in hamartomas of tuberous sclerosis

Autopsy material from two individuals with tuberous sclerosis were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of alpha B-crystallin. Positive immunoreactions were detected in the hamartomas of various organs. Abnormal expression of alpha B-crystallin in the hamartomas in conjunction with the alpha B-crystallin gene locus on chromosome 11q22-23 overlapping with one of the candidates of tuberous sclerosis loci suggest that tuberous sclerosis may involve the altered regulation of alpha B-crystallin gene expression.