[Co-expression of TrkA and p75 neurotrophin receptor in extracranial olfactory neuroblastoma cells].

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether TrkA and p75 are expressed in olfactory neuroblastoma (ON) and whether the evaluation of their expression by immunohistochemistry is useful to predict the outcome of ON.

METHODS

Ten cases of ON and 5 nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 5 normal olfactory neuroepithelial of nasal cavity were examined for the expression of TrkA and p75 neurotrophin receptors using immunohistochemistry and double fluorescence labeling.

RESULTS

The 10 cases of ON showed positive immunohistochemical staining for both TrkA and p75. Double staining revealed that almost all TrkA immunoreactive ON cells also contained p75 immunoreactive. In contrast, no TrkA or p75 immunoreactivity was detected in nasopharyngeal cells and normal olfactory neuroepithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Nerve growth factor may play a role in the generation of ON and staining of TrkA and p75 may assist diagnosis of ON.