Expression of Tenascin in Ameloblastoma and Ameloblastic Fibroma : An Immunohistochemical Study

Odontogenic lesions range from developmental anomalies to benign and malignant neoplasms. Ameloblastoma, known for its locally invasive behaviour and high risk of recurrence, is a frequently encountered benign ectodermal odontogenic tumour , while ameloblastic fibroma is a mixed odontogenic tumour with relatively lesser frequency. These tumors demonstrate varying inductive interactions between odontogenic epithelium and odontogenic ectomesenchyme of which extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role. Tenascin, a large glycoprotein component of ECM is involved in cell-to-cell and cell-ECM interactions. A diverse expression of tenascin has been reported in various lesions, where it may affect cellular proliferation, differentiation and migration. Till to date, there are only a few reports on the role played by tenascin in odontogenic tumors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression and distribution of tenascin in ameloblastoma and ameloblastic fibroma with varied stromal back ground thus to understand their phenotypical behavior.