[Expression of CD44 variant 6 and its metastatic potential in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity].

Using antihuman CD44 variant 6 monoclonal antibody (2F10), immunohistochemical screenings were performed for 38 oral squamous cell carcinoma cases and 10 oral mucosa in healthy cases as normal counterpart. Normal epithelium in the oral surface was stained intensely by the antibody. The reactivity was particularly strong in the spinous layers of stratified squamous epithelium. Cells in the basal layers exhibited moderate staining. In contrast, expression of CD44v6 tended to be downregulated in 38 oral squamous cell carcinoma materials. Interestingly, more faint or no staining by the anti-CD44v6 monoclonal antibody was found in the primary squamous cell carcinomas involving regional lymphnode metastasis. Downregulation of CD44v6 isoform was suggested to occur during regional lymphnode metastasis on oral squamous, cell carcinomas.