Calretinin Expression in Unicystic Ameloblastoma: An Aid in Differential Diagnosis

Calretinin is a 29 kDa calcium-binding protein, which is widely expressed in the central and peripheral neural tissue. It has also been demonstrated in odontogenic epithelium during odontogenesis and in neoplastic odontogenic tissues. The lining epithelium of eight cases of unicystic ameloblastoma, six cases of dentigerous cyst, six cases of odontogenic keratocyst, reclassified as keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT), and four cases of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma was examined for the expression of calretinin. No positive staining was observed in any of the dentigerous cysts and keratocystic odontogenic tumor linings. In comparison, coarse dark brown staining was seen in the stellate reticulum of solid multicystic ameloblastoma and more superficial epithelial layers of unicystic ameloblastoma. In conclusion, we have highlighted calretinin to be a specific immunohistochemical marker for neoplastic ameloblastic tissue that can be used as an important diagnostic aid in the differential diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma and cystic odontogenic lesions.