Published online Apr 15, 2000. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v6.i2.231
Revised: December 16, 1999
Accepted: December 29, 1999
Published online: April 15, 2000
AIM: To investigate the expression of integrins in rats liver during 3'-Me-DAB induced hepatocarcinogenesis and to find out the relationship between integrins and liver cancer metastasis.
METHODS: The expressions of integrins α1, α2, α3 and α5 and epidermal keratin (EK) were observed by immunohistochemical PAP method.
RESULTS: In the normal liver tissues, hepatocytes express integrins α1 and α5 and in the bile duct epithlium, EK. In liver cirrhosis, hepatocytes highly express integrins α1, α2, α3 and α5 and in hyperplastic bile duct epithelium, integrins α1, α5 and EK. Expression of integrins α1, α2, α3 and α5 were obviously decreased in the preneoplastic nodules and primary carcinoma but expressions of integrins α1 and α5 in metastasis in the lung and diaphragma were higher than those in primary carcinoma.
CONCLUSION: Integrins α1 and α5 may play a major role in chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis in rats.