Expression of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase protein 8 and 12 in the giant cell lesions of jaw

Abstract

To detect the expression of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 8 and 12 gene in the giant cell lesions of jaw and to study their effects on the histogenesis of cells in these lesions. ADAM8 and ADAM12 was detected by immunohistochemistry (SP) in 40 paraffin-embedded specimens of central giant cell lesions of jaw, 10 peripheral giant cell lesions, 9 cherubisms, 6 aneurysmal bone cysts. ADAM8 and ADAM12 were positive in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of all multinucleated giant cells and some round mononuclear cells of the lesions; ADAM12 was positive for some spindle mononuclear stromal cells in central and peripheral giant cell lesions. Multinucleated giant cells probably originated from the fusion of the round mononuclear cells, and ADAM8 and ADAM12 were involved in this process. In addition, ADAM12 might play a role in the maturation of spindle mononuclear stromal cells.