Background/aim: The neurokinin 3 receptor (NK-3R) is differentially expressed in the central nervous system including cases of human oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of NK-3R signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma is not well known.
Materials and methods: NK-3R expression in surgically resected oral squamous cell carcinoma was examined immunohistochemically and the strength of the expression was quantified. We evaluated the function of NK-3R signaling using NK-3R antagonist in human oral squamous cell carcinoma bone invasion mouse model.
Results: NK-3R was significantly expressed in tumor cells that had invaded the bone matrix compared to the oral side tumor cells. SB222200, a selective antagonist of NK-3R, significantly suppressed the radiographic osteolytic lesion and tumorigenesis.
Conclusion: NK-3R signaling is a potential target for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cases of bone destruction.
Keywords: Neurokinin 3 Receptor; Neurokinin B; oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.