Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor-alpha and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Human Cervical Neoplasia / 대한산부인과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to define the expression of epidermal growth factor(EGF) and transforming growth factor(TGF)-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), and the relationship to the tumor progression of human cervical epithelial neoplasia. METHODS: To confirm the expression of EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR immunohistochemically in normal cervix, cervical intraepithelial neoplasms and cervical carcinomas, we used monoclonal antibodies to EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical stainings using anti-EGF, anti-TGF-alpha and anti-EGFR antibodies showed weak or moderate stainings in all cases. Normal and CIN cases showed predominantly basal and parabasal expression of EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR, and its expression decreased as the cells became increasingly differentiated toward the surface of the epithelium. In the cervical carcinoma EGF and TGF-alpha expressed weakly to moderately focally, and EGFR expressed intensely in all malignant cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR may involved in cellular proliferation of cervical squamous epithelium and have a significant role in the progression of cervical cancer.