Korean J Dermatol.  2002 Nov;40(11):1325-1330.

Immunohistochemical Expression of bcl-2 and PCNA in Acquired Melanocytic Nevi

• Kim TJ
• Lee SY
• Lee JS
• Whang KU

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The histogenesis of acquired melanocytic nevi is still a matter of debate. One considers that nevus cells originate from epidermal melanocytes and the other postulates that nevus cells are of both neural and melanocytic origin.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify this controversy, investigation of the growth dynamics and tissue homeostasis of nevi is needed.
METHODS
We compared expressions for PCNA and bcl-2 in 12 intradermal nevi and 8 compound nevi by immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS
The results are summarizid as follows: 1. bcl-2 : Both intradermal and compound nevi exhibited strong perinuclear and cytoplasmic staining. There was diminution of staining with progressive descent into the dermis. 2. PCNA : The mean rate of PCNA-positive nevus cells was higher in compound nevi than in intradermal nevi.
CONCLUSION
The findings of our study shows considerable differences between intradermal nevi and compound nevi in expressions for PCNA and bcl-2.

Keyword

Acquired melanocytic nevi; bcl-2; PCNA

MeSH Terms

Cytoplasm
Dermis
Homeostasis
Melanocytes
Nevus
Nevus, Intradermal
Nevus, Pigmented*
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen*
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen