Colocalization of hyaluronan and hyaluronectin in normal and neoplastic breast tissues

Using specific staining methods, we have studied the distribution of hyaluronan (HA) and one of its binding proteins, hyaluronectin (HN), in 19 human breast carcinomas. These two constituents of the extracellular matrix were apparently co-localized in all tissues studied. The level of both was observed to be increased in neoplastic compared to normal tissues. Although no correlation was found between the degree or pattern of staining and the structural differentiation of the epithelial component of the tumours, increased staining was found in areas of tumour invasion, in particular in the connective tissue immediately adjacent to the invading epithelial cell islands.