[Localization of endothelin-1 in biopsies from oral submucous fibrosis: immunoelectron microscopic study].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the endothelin-1 (ET-1) immunoreactivity in biopsies from human oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and to investigate the relation between ET-1 and OSF.

METHODS

The localization of ET-1 in biopsies from OSF was observed with immunoelectron microscopic techniques.

RESULTS

High-density deposits existed predominantly in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, but not found in the biopsies of normal controls. In the biopsies of OSF, high-density granules were lined on the cell membrane, possibly on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria of the epithelial cells and of the fibroblasts. But a few granules were seen in the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells of microvesseles.

CONCLUSION

ET-1 is one of the pathogenetic factors of OSF.