alpha5 integrin distribution and TGFbeta1 gene expression in supraglottic carcinoma: their role in neoplastic local invasion and metastasis.

BACKGROUND

Head and neck carcinomas are characterized by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) producing cytokines. Adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs), and cytokines regulate cell-cell and cell-ECMPs interactions. We investigated the distribution of these proteins to contribute to better understanding of their role in local tumor invasion and metastasis.

METHODS

Distribution of integrins, laminin, type IV collagen, tenascin, and fibronectin was immunohistochemically evaluated in 13 supraglottis carcinomas. Cytokines gene expression was assessed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Neoplastic cells were alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1 and alpha6beta1 positive. Normal and metaplastic epithelium was alpha5beta1 negative; the stroma of primary and metastatic tumors was tenascin and fibronectin positive. TGFbeta1 and IFNgamma gene expression was observed in the majority of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Because TGFbeta1 is known to down-modulate immune processes and to increase alpha2beta1, alpha5beta1, and tenascin distribution, we propose that their expression in neoplastic cells of supraglottis carcinoma might represent an immune-related process able to help tumor growth and progression.