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. 2011;4(2):156-61.
doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2011.02.09. Epub 2011 Apr 18.

Expression of connexin 43 and E-cadherin in choroidal melanoma

Ying-Ying Mou  1 , Gui-Qiu Zhao, Jin-Yong Lin, Jie Zhao, Hong Lin, Li-Ting Hu, Qiang Xu, Qing Wang, Wei-Rong Sun
Affiliations

Expression of connexin 43 and E-cadherin in choroidal melanoma

Ying-Ying Mou et al. Int J Ophthalmol. 2011.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the expression of connexin 43 and epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) in choroidal melanoma, to explore the clinical and pathological implications of expression of these proteins, and to determine their relations with malignant features.

Methods: The expression of connexin 43 and E-cadherin in choroidal melanoma were detected by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological features.

Results: Positive rates of connexin 43 in choroidal melanomas and benign pigmented nevus tissues were 75% and 40% respectively with significant differences between the two groups (χ(2)=5.607, P=0.009). Positive rates of E-cadherin in choroidal melanomas and benign pigmented nevus tissues were 40% and 75% respectively with significant differences between the two groups (χ(2)=5.214, P=0.010). Significant overexpression of connexin 43 and reduction of E-cadherin expression was associated with the invasion to the sclera, and there were respectively significant differences between without and with scleral invasion groups (χ(2)=2.880, P=0.040; χ(2)=2.778, P=0.046). Overexpression of connexin 43 were correlated with tumor cell types and the expression of connexin 43 and E-cadherin may be correlated with each other.

Conclusion: The increased expression of connexin 43 and the decreased expression of E-cadherin may be involved in the process of invasion of choroidal melanoma. The overepression of connexin 43 and reduction of E-cadherin may contribute to the development of choroidal melanoma.

Keywords: E-Cadherin; choroidal neoplasms; connexin 43; immunohistochemistry; melanoma.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. PBS instead of connexin 43 antibody in choroidal melanoma showed a negative staining (200×)
Figure 2
Figure 2. PBS instead of E-cadherin antibody in choroidal melanoma showed a negative staining (200×)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Connexin 43 expression in benign pigmented nevi showed a negative staining (400×)
Figure 4
Figure 4. E-cadherin expression in benign pigmented nevi showed a positive membranous and cytoplasmic staining (400×)
Figure 5
Figure 5. Connexin 43 expression in choroidal melanoma showed a positive membranous and cytoplasmic staining pattern with uneven dyeing (200×)
Figure 6
Figure 6. E-cadherin expression in choroidal melanoma showed obvious reduction, and most positive expression located in tumor cells surrounding the small vessels or capillaries (200×)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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