Immunolocalization of p53, glutathione S-tranferase pi and CD57 antigens in oral leukoplakia.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between histological epithelial dysplasia, the immunolocalization of p53 and glutathione S-transferase pi on the immunolocalization of the CD57 antigen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy biopsies were included in the study and the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method was used to detect the antigens.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a significant relationship between p53, GST-pi positive staining with moderate/severe epithelial dysplasia. There was no relationship between p53 and GST-pi. The mean number of CD57+ lymphoid cells was higher in the lesions with increased epithelial dysplasia and positive for GST-pi. No difference was found regarding CD57 immunolocalization in leukoplakias positive and negative for p53.

CONCLUSIONS

As the presence of CD57+ lymphoid cells are indicative of immunosuppression, our study suggests that the severity of epithelial dysplasia and positive immunolabelling for GST-pi are associated with local immune response alterations in oral leukoplakias. Our data also give support to the idea that GST-pi and p53 are not time-point related during oral cancer development.