Objective: The aim of present study is to elucidate the relationship between the members of BMP family and the neoplasms of peripheral nerve.
Methods: Eight cases of schwannoma and three cases of malignant schwannoma were collected and all samples were fixed with 10% neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. Five microns thickness sections were prepared for staining with haematoxylin and eosin for histopathological assessment and processed for in situ hybridization for assessing the mRNA transcriptions of BMP-2,3,4,5. Sections of osteosarcoma that previously demonstrated consistent expression of BMP-2 mRNA were included in each batch of staining to serve as positive control.
Results: The results showed that all of the neoplastic lesions of nerve sheath showed a consistent expression of BMP-2,3,4,5. The positive signals of benign lesions were obviously increased in the palisading area or the area of accumulated cells. There was no detectable staining in the matrix of tumour and collagenous fiber. The staining intensity was relatively and slightly weak in cells of Antoni B tissue when compared with Antoni A tissue. Nevertheless, the tumour cells in Antoni B tissue also showed BMP-2,3,4 and 5 positively staining. The fibroblasts of schwannoma were negatively stained. The malignant lesions showed higher expression signals of BMPs than benign lesions.
Conclusion: The results can be concluded that the selected members of BMPs may be involved in the process of growth and progression of the neoplasms of peripheral nerve.