In situ expression of cytokeratins and Ber-EP4 antigen in ameloblastomas and basal cell carcinomas

Ameloblastomas are odontogenic tumors that sometimes show microscopic features similar manifested by basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). The current literature indicates that anti-cytokeratin reacts in ameloblastomas, but not in BCCs, while Ber-EP4 shows opposite findings.; Specific aims. To evaluate the ability of the monoclonal antibodies AE1/AE3 (anti-cytokeratin) and Ber-EP4 (anti-34/39 kD epithelial antigen) to immunohistochemically differentiate BCCs from intraosseous and peripheral ameloblastomas.; Materials and methods. 10 peripheral, 11 intraosseous ameloblastomas and 10 BCCs were examined using Ber-EP4 and AE1/AE3 antibodies.; Results. AE1/AE3 expression was observed in 90% of cases of BCCs and intraosseous ameloblastomas. Ber-EP4 antigens expression was seen in all cases of BCCs,{09}30% of intraosseous ameloblastomas and 40% of peripheral ameloblastomas.; Conclusions. Our study revealed a heretofore, unrecognized expression of the Ber-EP4 antigen in some intraosseous and peripheral ameloblastomas. Our study indicates that the AE1/AE3 and Ber-EP4 probes are not able to immunohistochemically separate ameloblastomas from BCCs.