Immunohistochemical Study between Extracellular Matrix Protein Tenascin and T Lymphocytes Distribution in Cholesteatoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Components of extracellular matrix protein play a crucial role in morphogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation. Protein is highly conserved during evolution and is expressed in a variety of tissues, and the amount of T and B lymphocytes are significantly higher in cholesteatomatous tissue than in the external auditory canal skin. We examined the spatiotemporal expression and distribution of extracelluar matrix protein tenascin and lymphocytes of cholesteatomatous tissue and normal external auditory canal skin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The biopsy specimens of cholesteatomatous tissue and external auditory canal skin were obtained during middle ear surgery. Monoclonal mouse antibodies against tenascin, CD4 helper cell and CD8 cytotoxic/suppressor T cells were used. RESULTS: The results are as follows 1) The expression of tenascin was significantly increased in cholesteatomatous tissue compared to that in normal external auditory canal skin. 2) As the expression of T lymphocytes increased, the expression of tenascin increased significantly (p<0.05, r=0.832). 3) As the expression of Langerhans' cells increased, the expression of tenascin increased significantly (p<0.05, r=0.788). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the change in the composition of the extracelluar matrix protein and lymphocyte in cholesteatomatous tissue may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cholesteatomatous otitis media.