Loss of expression of fodrin (a structural protein) in cystic changes of human breast
Simpson, J.F.; Page, D.L.
Laboratory Investigation; A Journal of Technical Methods and Pathology 68(5): 537-540
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6837 PMID: 8497126 Document Number: 411670
Formation of cysts in the human female breast remains a common clinical problem with few pathogenic theories suggested and none proven. The immunohistochemical distribution of a structural protein, fodrin (a non-erythroid spectrin) was studied within benign conditions of the breast. Whereas normal breast epithelium expressed fodrin, all breast cysts were consistently negative for fodrin expression. Both larger, tension cysts as well as the smaller microcysts seen in a special pattern of lobular atrophy were uniformly negative. Lack of fodrin may be a secondary event in cystic alterations of the breast. However, loss of this structural protein may be responsible for altered structural integrity of breast acini, resulting in or fostering the formation of cysts.