Background:
@EN Epidermal growth factor receptors(EGFR) have been reported to be absent in melanomas. But recently, the presence of EGFR on melanocytic cells was reported to be a marker of malignant transformation.
@ES Objective:
@EN Our purpose was to investigate the presence of EGFR in melanocytic lesions and to determine whether EGFR presence correlates with the potential for malignant transformation of melanocytic cells.
@ES Methods:
@EN We performed the immunohistochemincal studies to reveal immunoreactivity of EGFR in 7 compound nevi, 10 intradermal nevi, and four melanomas using the Vectastain ABC immunoperoxidase stain system.
@ES Results:
@EN Although the intensity of staining was slightly variable, all melanocytic cell types in the studied lesions of compound nevi, intradermal nevi, and melanomas had immunoreactive EGFR. Intense staining for EGFR of all nucleated layers of
keratinocytes
overlying a melanocytic lesion was also seen. But in the melanoma cells, the staining intensity was moderately decreased.
@ES Conclusion:
@EN Although we found no correlation of EGFR with the potential for malignancy in melanocytic lesions, the high level of expression within nevocytes and lesional keratinocytes suggests EGF or transforming growth factor α, by acting through the
EGFR,
plays a role in the pathogenesis, maintenance, or evolution of these lesions. (Kor J Dermatol 1994 ; 32(3) : 469~476)
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