RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study hTERT mRNA expression in ameloblastoma (AB) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and to investigate genesis, development and biological characteristics of AB and OKC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>hTERT mRNA expression in 54 cases of AB, 16 cases of OKC, 7 cases of oral normal mucosa was detected by in situ hybridization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rates of hTERT mRNA in AB, OKC, and oral normal mucosa were 94.4% (51/54), 87.5% (14/16), 1/7, respectively. There was significant statistical difference (P < 0.001). About clinicalpathology of AB, there was no difference for hTERT expression (P > 0.05) hTERT mRNA was positive in peripheral and stellate reticula cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>(1) hTERT activity plays an important role in genesis, development of AB. (2) hTERT positive rate is related to cell differentiation and clinical biological behavior.</p>