Abstract:
AIM : To investigate the expression of CD56 in dog odontogenesis in order to elucidate the expression
found in ameloblastomas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS : Immunohistochemical analysis of CD56 expression of developing dog teeth in the
bud, cap and bell stages including the remnants of the dental lamina.
RESULTS : Weak CD56 expression was observed in the dental epithelium during the bud stage with intense
staining of certain peripheral epithelial cells. Positive staining of epithelial cells was also observed in the
cap stage with intense staining of the inner enamel epithelium at this stage. During the bell stage the
staining was concentrated on the cervical loop areas. The dental papilla revealed positive staining
throughout the cap and bell stages while the dental follicle stained intensely positive throughout all the
phases examined. The dental lamina and Serres rests also stained positive for CD56.
CONCLUSIONS : The expression of CD56 in dog odontogenic tissue varies according to the stage of tooth
development. There is a positive correlation between the positive staining observed in ameloblastomas
and their odontogenic cells of origin.
