[Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in keratocystic odontogenic tumor before and after decompression].

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) before and after decompression. METHODS: Twenty two pairs of paraffin-embeded tissue specimens of KCOT were collected and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of RANKL.The data were analyzed with SPSS17.0 software package for paired t test. RESULTS: RANKL positive cells were observed in the preoperative KCOT epithelium. The expression of RANKL was down-regulated after decompression(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decrease of RANKL expression after decompression may facilitate the lining epithelium of KCOT transforming to normal oral mucosal epithelium.