OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to describe the immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratins (CKs) 7, 8, 10,13, 14, 18 and 19 in the epithelial components of ameloblastomas and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). The results were compared and histogenesis discussed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Specimens of ten ameloblastomas and eight adenomatoid odontogenic tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry using streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method and anti-CKs antibody. The sample was obtained from Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical reactivity for CK14 was detected in all cases of ameloblastomas, and the expression of CK19 was diffusely present in peripheral cells (eight cases) and in central cells of five ameloblastomas. In AOTs, immunopositivity for CK14 was detected in all cases, whereas CK 19 was predominantly expressed in ductal cells (six cases). CONCLUSION: The CKs was expressed by several forms in ameloblastomas and AOTs, that have shown typical CKs of dental germ suggesting that these tumors have odontogenic epitheilial differentiation, whereas it has not evinced proper CKs of squamous epithelial.
Ameloblastomas; Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor; Cytokeratin; Immunohistochemistry
