ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the expressions of C/EBPs mRNA and protein in the sebaceous gland and to study the relationship between C/EBPs and the differentiation of sebocytes. Methods RT-PCR and immunhischemistry were used to detect the expressions of C/EBPs mRNA and protein in the embryo and adult sebaceous glands. Results The lowest expression of C/EBP? mRNA in the sebaceous gland was found in embryonic period, but increased gradually during the developmental stages. The expression of C/EBP? mRNA in the sebaceous gland showed different expression patterns, i.e. it maintained at low level in all of the developmental stages. Expressions of C/EBP? and ? protein were found in the nuclei of sebocytes in embryonic period but in the basal cell layer of sebaceous glands in maturation phase. Conclusion The expression patterns of C/EBPs are different in the sebaceous gland from embryonic to adult stages, suggesting that C/EBP? and ? may play important roles in the development of human sebaceous gland.