Loss of expression of fodrin (a structural protein) in cystic changes of human breast.

BACKGROUND

Formation of cysts in the human female breast remains a common clinical problem with few pathogenic theories suggested, and none proven.

EXPERIMENTAL

DESIGN

We studied the immunohistochemical distribution of a structural protein, fodrin (a nonerythroid spectrin) within benign conditions of the breast.

RESULTS

Whereas normal breast epithelium expressed fodrin, all breast cysts were consistently negative for fodrin expression. Both larger, tension cysts as well as the smaller microcysts seen in a special pattern of lobular atrophy were uniformly negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of fodrin may be a secondary event in cystic alterations of the breast. However, loss of this structural protein may be responsible for altered structural integrity of breast acini, resulting in or fostering the formation of cysts.