Abstract: BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： To explore the expression and significance of metallothionein(MT) and Cu/Zn-SOD in buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS： The localizations of MT and Cu/Zn-SOD expressions in 8 samples of buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma were studied by immunohistochemical methods and analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: In the well-differentiated squamous carcinoma, the MT and CuZn-SOD were expressed mainly at peri-tumor area, but less or not expressed at the centre and in interstitial tissue. While in poorly differentiated carcinoma, the expression was scattered. There was no significant difference between the expressions of MT and Cu/Zn-SOD among the 8 samples (P=0.554). CONCLUSION: MT and Cu/Zn-SOD were expressed mainly in the poorly differentiated and actively growing tumor cells. Their similar expression and the association with tumor development, progression and prognosis should be further studied.

Key words: carcinoma of buccal mucosa, metallothionein, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase