The difference of PCNA expression in superficial and deep layers of bladder carcinoma In this study we aimed to investigate proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index in the specimens of superficial and deep layers of 17 patients who underwent radical cystectomy due to muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

Tissue specimens that resembles deep and superficial layers of teh tumor were stained immunohistochemically with 1:100 dilution PC-10 monoclonal antibody (DAKO, M0879, Denmark) by streptavidin biotin method.

In the results of immunohistochemical staining with PC-10 monoclonal antibody dye, mean value of PCNA index was found 21.9%±12.4 in the surface of the tumor and 40.3%±22.8 in the deep layer and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.006). In addition, a significant correlation was found between PCNA index and grade of the tumor both in superficial and deep layers of the tumor (r=0.469, p=0.047, r=0.505, p=0.038).

Our results revealed that in the studies about grading and proliferative activity of the bladder TCC, the region that the samples are taken must be mentioned and it will be proper to sample the same regions in all cases.