Quantitative and qualitative analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in pericoronal follicles in predicting proliferative potential

Abstract

Objective. The odontogenic epithelium in pericoronal follicles (PFs) are known to proliferate to form cysts and tumors. This epithelium is mostly composed of the reduced enamel epithelium (REE) and odontogenic rests (OR). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) immunoexpression in these PFs to assess their proliferative potential. Study design. The immunoexpression of EGFR in 30 PFs were assessed by two independent observers for intensity, percentage and the location of the EGFR staining. Results. EGFR immunoexpression was noted in 100% of the follicles. A greater proportion of the follicles showed strong intensity (70%). It was noted that nearly 54% of the follicles demonstrated more than 50% of cells with EGFR immunolabelling. EGFR showed combined cytoplasm and membrane staining (40%) and cytoplasm only staining (37%). The analysis of the REE and OR individually for the above-mentioned parameters did not show statistical significance. Conclusion. The increased intensity and overall positivity of the epithelium in follicles shows that odontogenic epithelium is responsive to EGFR mediated growth factors. The predominant combined staining pattern is suggestive of increased potential for the epithelium to undergo cystic or neoplastic proliferation.