RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the immunoexpressions of Regγ, Wnt-1, and ß-catenin in ameloblastomas, adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOTs), and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty solid ameloblastomas, 20 AOTs, and 30 OKCs were selected for analysis of the immunoexpression of Regγ, Wnt-1, and ß-catenin. Each case was semiquantitatively evaluated in the epithelial component and in their different cellular compartments (membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus). RESULTS: Ameloblastomas displayed higher cytoplasmic and nuclear Regγ expression compared with AOTs and OKCs, as well as higher membrane and cytoplasmic Wnt-1 expression (P < .05). ß-catenin membrane expression was higher in OKCs compared with ameloblastomas and AOTs (P < .05). Nuclear ß-catenin expression was higher in ameloblastomas and AOTs than in OKCs (P < .05). Cytoplasmic and nuclear Regγ expression in AOTs were positively correlated with nuclear ß-catenin expression (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The marked expressions of Regγ, Wnt-1, and ß-catenin suggest the participation of these proteins in the pathogenesis of the studied lesions. The greater expressions of Regγ, Wnt-1, and nuclear ß-catenin in ameloblastomas may be related to their more aggressive behavior. Pro-tumor effects of nuclear ß-catenin may be counterbalanced by inhibitory pathways in AOTs, justifying their low aggressiveness.