[Expression of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase protein 8 and 12 in the giant cell lesions of jaw].

Objective: To detect the expression of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 8 and 12 gene in the giant cell lesions of jaw and to study their effects on the histogenesis of cells in these lesions.
Methods: ADAM8 and ADAM12 was detected by immunohistochemistry (SP) in 40 paraffin-embedded specimens of central giant cell lesions of jaw, 10 peripheral giant cell lesions, 9 cherubisms, 6 aneurysmal bone cysts.
Results: ADAM8 and ADAM12 were positive in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of all multinucleated giant cells and some round mononuclear cells of the lesions; ADAM12 was positive for some spindle mononuclear stromal cells in central and peripheral giant cell lesions.
Conclusions: Multinucleated giant cells probably originated from the fusion of the round mononuclear cells, and ADAM8 and ADAM12 were involved in this process. In addition, ADAM12 might play a role in the maturation of spindle mononuclear stromal cells.