Korean J Dermatol.  1999 Nov;37(11):1560-1566.

Apoptosis and Expression of bcl-2, p53, and Ki-67 in Pilomatricoma

• Lee CW
• Jang HS
• Oh CK
• Kwon KS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pilomatricoma is a benign epidermal appendage tumor with differentiation toward hair matrix cells. Histologically, pilomatricoma comprises masses of immature basophilic cells, few transitional cells, and clusters of shadow cells. The mechanism leading to the formation of shadow cells is still unknown.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to examine the expression of p53, bcl-2, Ki-67, and apoptotic rate for the investigation of the cell turnover and cell differentiation within pilomatricoma.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical staining(LSAB technique) using monoclonal antibodies including bcl-2, p53, and Ki-67(MIB-1) is performed on skin biopsy specimens of pilomatricoma, and TUNEL staining for detecting apoptotic cells is also performed.
RESULTS
The expression of Ki-67 and bcl-2 is noted in basal basophilic cells more than overlying basophilic cells. The p53 protein is observed to be alike on basal and overlying basophilic cells. But apoptotic cells are only expressed in transitional cells.
CONCLUSION
The result of this study suggests that high proliferative area, such as basal basophilic cells manifested by over-expression of Ki-67 and bcl-2, is regulated by the p53 protein inducing apoptosis. Thereafter, basophilic cells may progress to shadow cells through apoptotic transitional cells by the action of p53 protein.

Keyword

Pilomatricoma; Apoptosis; Bcl-2; p53; Ki-67

MeSH Terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal
Apoptosis*
Basophils
Biopsy
Cell Differentiation
Hair
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Pilomatrixoma*
Skin
Antibodies, Monoclonal