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Detection of Transforming Growth Factor- Messenger RNA in Normal and Chemically Transformed Hamster Oral Epithelium by in Situ Hybridization¹

Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02115

We have recently demonstrated the consistent detection of transforming growth factor (TGF-) in chemically transformed hamster oral tumors. By Northern blot analysis, no TGF- mRNA can be detected in normal cheek pouch mucosa. The consistent expression of TGF- associated with the malignant transformation in the well-defined hamster oral cancer model prompted us to hypothesize that the aberrant expression of this important cellular gene could be related to a specific stage of epithelial alteration. In situ hybridization was used to test this hypothesis. We now report that by in situ hybridization we can detect TGF- mRNA in normal hamster oral epithelium and also at all stages of transformation. In all epithelium, labeling of TGF- mRNA in the basal layer is more pronounced than that observed in the spinous and squamous layers. There is a significant increase of TGF- mRNA labeling early in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced oral carcinogenesis. This increase is associated with morphological changes of epithelial hyperplasia or dysplasia. Although lesions exhibiting full-thickness epithelial dysplasia (carcinoma in situ) showed more labeling of TGF- mRNA than do areas of lesser dysplasia, the transition to full-fledged papillary or invasive squamous cell carcinoma is not associated with further elevations of TGF- expression.

¹ This work was supported by USPHS Grant DE08680; Smokeless Tobacco Research Council Grant 0226; and a Cancer Research Scholar Award from the American Cancer Society, Massachusetts Division.

² Visiting professor from Chung Shan Medical and Dental College Hospital, The Republic of China.

³ To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Harward School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

Received 6/ 8/89. Revised 8/31/89. Accepted 9/ 7/89.

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