Overexpression of p53 and MDM2 proteins in cervical neoplasia.

Sixteen methacarn-fixed and paraffin-embedded cervical squamous lesions were examined using monoclonal antibodies to p53 and MDM2 in order to compare the expression of both proteins in cervical neoplasia. Standard avidin-biotin or streptavidin-biotin immunoperoxidase techniques were employed. The results show that the overexpression of both proteins takes place in a meaningful proportion of cervical neoplastic lesions. The expression of either protein is not very frequent in CIN 1 and 2. The overexpression of either p53 (9/12) or MDM2 (4/10) proteins was recorded in the group of more advanced lesions, their level fluctuating from 10% to 60% positive cells. The results suggest the possibility of an interaction of the p53 and MDM2 proteins in some cases of cervical neoplasia.