Abstract
Destruction of basement membrane is an important element in invasion of cancer cells. Type IV collagen, the major component of basement membrane, has six distinct α chains. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that resolve extracellular matrix. Oral squamous cell carcinoma occurs through precancerous lesion epithelial dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. We investigated localization of six α chains and MMPs in normal oral mucosal tissue, precancerous lesions, early squamous cell carcinoma immunohistochemically. In normal oral mucosal tissue and epithelial dysplasia, α1 (IV), α2 (IV), α5 (IV) and α6 (IV) chains were detected continuously along basement membrane. In carcinoma in situ and early squamous cell carcinoma, either α5 (IV) and α6 (IV) chains or all α chains were not stained. In contrast, MMP-2 and MMP-9 that are members of type IV collagenase were stained at the parts of disappearance of α chains. This study suggested that the disappearance of α chains is an important element in carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
