Comparative immunohistochemical analysis between jaw myxoma and mesenchymal cells of tooth germ.

The histogenesis of jaw myxoma is still debated. According to some authors it arises from the primitive mesenchymal components of developing teeth. In this study, we have studied the expression of S-100 protein and vimentin in dental follicle, dental papilla and periodontal ligament cells using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Myxoma of the jaw expresses vimentin and S-100 protein. On the contrary, as compared to jaw myxoma, the normal developmental structures were immunonegative for S-100 protein but stained for vimentin. These results could indicate a difference in the derivation other than tooth mesenchyma.