ISSN:
1573-675X
Keywords:
Apoptosis
;
bcl-2
;
DNA fragmentation
;
immunohistochemistry
;
neuroblastoma
;
RT-PCR
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We studied apoptosis in 36 neuroblastomas by DNA ladder assay. Expression of bcl2-α and β mRNA isoforms and protein were detected by RT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry, respectively. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was found in 20/36 (56%) tumor tissues collected both at onset and relapse of disease. Bcl-2α and β mRNAs and protein were found in almost all examined tumors irrespective of DNA ladder, thus showing lack of correlation with the clinical stage. BCL-2 protein was observed to be expressed at various levels in undifferentiated and in more differentiated neuroblasts, while the stroma and the fibrovascular tissue were negative. Our results show that apoptosis is present in neuroblastoma at all stages and that bcl-2 gene is widely expressed in tumor tissue. In our series of neuroblastomas, bcl-2 expression is not correlated with unfavorable prognosis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00142079
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