Expression of p53 in conjunctival melanocytic nevi. An immunohistochemical study

The objective of this study was to evaluate conjunctival nevi for p53 gene mutations. We studied 11 conjunctival nevi by immunohistochemistry with the DO7 monoclonal p53 antibody as well as the cell proliferation marker, MIB1. Of the 11 cases, 2 were negative, 2 had less than 1%, and 7 had more than 2% p53 immunopositive nuclei with no direct correlation with MIB1 positivity. Our results suggest altered expression of p53 in conjunctival nevi.