Immunohistochemical expression of CD56 in dog (Canis familiaris) odontogenesis.

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.