Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2001 Feb;44(2):273-276.

Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor-alpha and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Human Cervical Neoplasia

• Lee BH
• Kwon DJ
• Kim CJ
• Kwon YI
• Park TC
• Kim JH
• Lee JW
• Kim DK
• Namkoong S

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study seeks to define the expression of epidermal growth factor(EGF) and transforming growth factor(TGF)-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), and the relationship to the tumor progression of human cervical epithelial neoplasia.
METHODS
To confirm the expression of EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR immunohistochemically in normal cervix, cervical intraepithelial neoplasms and cervical carcinomas, we used monoclonal antibodies to EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR.
RESULTS
Immunohistochemical stainings using anti-EGF, anti-TGF-alpha and anti-EGFR antibodies showed weak or moderate stainings in all cases. Normal and CIN cases showed predominantly basal and parabasal expression of EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR, and its expression decreased as the cells became increasingly differentiated toward the surface of the epithelium. In the cervical carcinoma EGF and TGF-alpha expressed weakly to moderately focally, and EGFR expressed intensely in all malignant cells.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR may involved in cellular proliferation of cervical squamous epithelium and have a significant role in the progression of cervical cancer.

Keyword

Cervix; Epidermal growth factor; Transforming growth factor-alpha; Epidermal growth factor receptor

MeSH Terms

Antibodies
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Cell Proliferation
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Cervix Uteri
Epidermal Growth Factor*
Epithelium
Female
Humans
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor*
Transforming Growth Factor alpha
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
Antibodies
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Epidermal Growth Factor
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
Transforming Growth Factor alpha