Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Cutaneous dysplastic nevi are known to grow during puberty and to express estrogen and progesterone receptors. Similarly, conjunctival nevi in children can enlarge during puberty. The aim of this study is to determine whether conjunctival nevus cells or the surrounding inflammatory process express receptors for sex hormones. Methods: A total of 38 cases with a histologic diagnosis of inflammatory compound cystic nevi of the conjunctiva were selected. Paraffin blocks of the nevi were sectioned for immunohistochemical staining. All lesions were stained for estrogen receptor (ER1-D5), progesterone receptor (PgR), and androgen receptors (MoAb F39.4.1 and MoAb G122-25.3) using indirect immunohistochemical technique. Endometrial tissue sections were used as positive controls for estrogen receptors, with breast carcinoma tissue sections used for progesterone receptors and prostate tissue sections used for androgen receptors. Results: Of the 38 cases selected, 25 were female and 13 were male. Average age for females was 11.5 (range 6 to 18 years). Average age for males was 10.9 (range 6 to 17 years). Immunohistochemical staining showed the absence of estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors in all 38 cases. However, controls revealed positive staining for these receptors. Conclusion: Unlike skin nevi, inflammatory compound cystic nevi of the conjunctiva do not appear to be under the influence of the sex hormones for their growth and enlargement during puberty.