DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2017.v04i08.007

Pages: 362-368

Calretinin, a calcium-binding protein, is expressed primarily in certain subtypes of neurons. It has also been shown to be present in mesotheliomas and few other tumors. The aim of the study was to determine the expression of calretinin in selected odontogenic cysts and tumors. Immunohistochemically study for calretinin was performed on 10 odontogenic tumors ameloblastomas (2 solid ameloblastomas and 2 unicystic ameloblastomas) and 2 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, 2 keratocystic odontogenic tumours and 2 cystic calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumors), 4 odontogenic cysts (2 dentigerous cysts and 2 radicular cysts) and 2 dental follicle tissues. The distribution, intensity, pattern and localization of immunoreactive cells were determined by conventional light microscopy. All 4 ameloblastomas and 2 cystic calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumours showed intense immunopositivity with a diffuse distribution pattern. None of the other cysts and tumours showed reactivity with calretinin. Considering that ameloblastomas and cystic calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumours, in contrast to the other studied cysts and tumours were consistently reactive for calretinin, this protein may have a role in the pathogenesis of these tumours.