IMMUNOEXPRESSION OF STEM CELL MARKERS IN DEVELOPMENTAL ODONTOGENIC CYSTS

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> Developmental odontogenic cysts (DOCs) originate from remnants of the odontogenesis, rich in multipotent stem cells (SC). The aim was to evaluate the immunoexpression of multipotent SC markers in DOCs and to compare aggressive and indolent cysts. <h3>Study Design</h3> Immunohistochemistry using the immunoperoxidase technique was performed on 42 DOCs using monoclonal antibodies for CD44 and CD90. The sample consisted of 20 odontogenic keratocysts (OKs), 7 dentigerous cysts (DCs), 7 glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs), 4 calcifying odontogenic cysts (COC), 2 adult gingival cysts, 1 lateral periodontal cyst, 1 botryoid odontogenic cyst, and 1 orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst. <h3>Results</h3> DOCs revealed immunopositivity in epithelium and capsule for CD44 and CD90. CD44 immunoexpression in epithelium and capsule was superior in OK, followed by DC and GOC (<i>P</i> = .000). For CD90, only the capsule showed greater expression in OK, followed by calcifying odontogenic cyst and DC (<i>P</i> = .000). Aggressive cysts (OK and GOC), when compared to indolent cysts, showed superior positivity for CD44 in the epithelium (<i>P</i> = .007) and for CD90 in the capsule (<i>P</i> = .006). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Multipotent SC can participate in the histogenesis and pathogenesis of DOCs. This study also suggests that multipotent SC can be associated with the distinct biological behaviors of these lesions.