Distribution patterns and frequency of proliferating cells in cutaneous keratinocytic neoplasms. Immunohistochemical study with a monoclonal antibody (TOB7) used against proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

BACKGROUND: Almost all markers for proliferating cells need freshly frozen tissues for evaluation; therefore retrospective study is impossible.
OBJECTIVE: In the present study, a murine monoclonal antibody (TOB7) against the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was used for the analysis of cell kinetics of cutaneous keratinocytic neoplasms. The antibody is applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.
METHODS: The frequency of PCNA-positive cells and their distribution patterns were immunohistochemically investigated in various cutaneous keratinocytic neoplasms.
RESULTS: Squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease showed significantly increased numbers of PCNA-positive cells when compared with other keratinocytic neoplasms. A characteristic marginal or random distribution pattern of PCNA-positive cells was observed in the lesions of each disease category.
CONCLUSION: Important information on the growth dynamics of keratinocytic neoplasms was obtained in this retrospective immunohistochemical study.