The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) prior and subsequent to decompression and to explore the association between iNOS expression and changes in clinical features. Sixteen pairs of specimens obtained at the time of decompression and subsequent curettages were collected and immunohistochemically examined using an antibody against iNOS. The intensity of iNOS staining was evaluated semi-quantitatively for statistical analysis. Prior to decompression, 87.5% of KCOT samples showed no immunohistochemical reactivity for iNOS. Only 12.5% of samples exhibited slight staining for iNOS in the cytoplasm of cells in the epithelial layer. Subsequent to decompression, all the samples exhibited moderate to intense staining for iNOS in the cytoplasm and membrane of cells in the epithelial and fibrous layers. This increased expression of iNOS following decompression was statistically significant (P<0.01). The results demonstrated distinct expression of iNOS in KCOT samples prior and subsequent to decompression, indicating that iNOS may have a role in mediating changes in clinical features.
Keywords: decompression; inducible nitric oxide synthase; keratocystic odontogenic tumor.