Tenascin and fibronectin expression in odontogenic cysts

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cysts (OCs) present distinct evolution and clinical behavior. This study was performed in order to investigate if some components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) may drive these differences. METHODS: Thirty OCs were selected: 10 radicular cysts (RCs), 10 dentigerous cysts (DCs), 10 non-syndrome odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and they were immunohistochemically analyzed to verify the expression pattern of tenascin and fibronectin. RESULTS: Tenascin immunostaining was mainly intense as a thick band deep to the epithelial-mesenchymal interface in both RCs and OKCs. The intense tenascin immunoexpression observed in the RCs was usually associated with inflammation. An intense fibronectin reactivity was observed in the basement membrane region and at the cystic wall of OKCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate differences between the expression of ECM proteins in the OCs studied. The higher tenascin and fibronectin expression in the capsule of OKCs suggests marked instability in the cystic structure and may contribute to its aggressive behavior.