J. Caselitz

Intermediate-sized filament proteins (prekeratin, vimentin, desmin) in the normal parotid gland and parotid gland tumours

Antibodies to different intermediate-sized filament proteins can distinguish cells and tissues of epithelial, mesenchymal, muscle, astrocytic and neural origin. Antibodies to prekeratin, vimentin and desmin have been used to distinguish cells of epithelial, mesenchymal and muscle origin in the normal human parotid gland, and in addition to study some common tumors of this gland. Prekeratin-positive and vimentin-positive cells are found among the tumor cells in the pleomorphic adenomas. In contrast the tumor cells of the mucoepidermoid tumors and squamous cell carcinomas are prekeratin-positive but vimentin-negative.

Metastatic tumors to the parotid and submandibular glands: Analysis and differential diagnosis of 108 cases*

The distinction between primary salivary gland tumors and metastases of other primary tumors in salivary glands is of special importance for therapy and prognosis. In the files of the Salivary Gland Register, 10,944 cases were collected during 1965 and 1985. Among these cases, there were 108 cases of metastatic tumors to the parotid and submandibular gland. The pathohistological analysis of these tumors revealed the following data: 47 cases (43%) of metastatic tumors were localized in the parenchyma of the parotid gland (37 cases) or of the submandibular gland (10 cases). 61 cases (57%) displayed metastases in the lymph nodes of the parotid gland (38 cases) or of the submandibular gland (23 cases). The sublingual gland was free of metastatic tumors. 65 metastatic tumors originated from primary tumors in the neighborhood (head and neck). 32 tumors were carcinomas of the skin, 17 tumors were melanomas, and 13 tumors were nasopharyngeal cancers. Metastases of thyroid cancers were found in 3 cases. The relative frequency of metastases in the lymph nodes of the salivary glands is due to the intense drainage with lymph vessels and the presence of many lymph nodes which are localized especially in the gland parenchyma or around the parotid gland. 21 metastatic tumors originated from primary tumors distant from the head and neck region. There were metastases of lung cancers (7 cases), renal cancers (6 cases), mammary cancers (6 cases), colonic cancer (1 case) and uterus cancer (1 case). Clear cell carcinomas in salivary gland tissue should always be checked for a metastasis of a primary renal cancer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The expression of different intermediate-sized filaments in human salivary glands and their tumours*

The intermediate-sized filaments can be divided into several groups which are characteristic of different types of tissues (e.g.: epithelial, mesenchymal, muscle, astrocytic and neural origin). Antibodies specific for some of these filament types have been used to analyse a group of salivary gland tumours. Prekeratin-positive cells were seen in the normal gland, cystadenolymphomas, mucoepidermoid tumours, and squamous cell carcinomas which are all tumours of epithelial origin. The pleomorphic adenomas showed the presence of some cells which appeared to contain both prekeratin and vimentin. The results are discussed with respect to their histogenetic implications.

Coexpression of keratin and vimentin filaments in adenoid cystic carcinomas of salivary glands

Six cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands have been examined with antibodies specific for either keratin or vimentin. Tumor cells in all six cases showed coexpression of keratin and vimentin.

A monoclonal antibody that detects myoepithelial cells in exocrine glands, basal cells in other epithelia and basal and suprabasal cells in certain hyperplastic tissues

Myoepithelial and luminal cells of human exocrine glands can be positively identified with two different monoclonal antibodies. Myoepithelial cells including those of the salivary gland, mammary gland and sweat gland are positively identified by an antibody CKB1. This antibody does not stain luminal cells, but stains the basal cell layer of certain human stratified epithelia and a few basal cells in simple epithelia. Thus myoepithelial cells and basal cells have certain common features. Luminal cells can be positively stained with the CK5 monoclonal keratin antibody specific for keratin polypeptide 18; this antibody does not stain myoepithelial cells. Of interest is that CKB1 also appears to stain basal and suprabasal cells in certain hyperplastic conditions.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of filamentous structures in the parotid gland

SummaryThe aim of this study was to analyze the filament distribution in the parotid gland and their tumors. A correlation to the histogenetic implications and histological properties was attempted. Normal rat and human parotid glands as well as pleomorphic adenomas and squamous cell carcinomas of this gland were examined by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique using antibodies to the keratin polypeptide of 67,000 dalton, and 55,000 dalton and anti-actin auto-antibodies.Both keratin and actin antigens were demonstrated in the duct system and in the myoepithelial cells of the normal salivary glands. The acinar cells remained negative.In pleomorphic adenomas, there were numerous keratin-positive spindle-shaped cells which represented the so-called myoepithelial cells. These cells were demonstrated to contain actin, too. The tubular duct-like structures were labeled by keratin antiserum and by anti-actin auto-antibodies. In squamous cell carcinomas, the majority of the tumor cells were strongly labeled by keratin antibodies. Actin was detected in these malignant cells, too. Our results show important differences in the cellular elements of the normal salivary glands with regard to their filament distribution. In normal and tumoral conditions, our findings support the hypothesis of the epithelial nature of the myoepithelial cells. Our preliminary results encourage the research of filamentous structures for scientific and diagnostic purposes.

Intermediate filament expression in human vascular smooth muscle and in arteriosclerotic plaques

Different regions of human aorta and of other human arteries obtained at autopsy were analyzed with regard to their topography and to the different stages of arteriosclerosis. Material was studied by immunocytochemical techniques with antibodies specific for either desmin (D) or for vimentin (V), the two types of intermediate filament proteins present in vascular smooth muscle cells. In normal arteries endothelial cells as well as the adjacent intimal cells were D−V+. In the media D+V+ as well as D−V+ cells were present, with the relative numbers of each cell type dependent on the particular blood vessel. When cells in arteriosclerotic plaques at different stages of development were examined an occasional plaque showed cells of the D+V+ type. In the majority of plaques however the cells were V− D+. In plaques where severe ulceration and necrotic material was present D−V+ cells were found at the border of the lesion: foam cells when they could be identified appeared to be D−V+.

Lactoferrin and lysozyme in carcinomas of the parotid gland

Lactoferriin and lysozyme, parts of the non-specific defense system, were studied in normal and diseased parotid glands, using the immunohistochemical PAP-method. 31 normal and inflamed glands were investigated. The presence of lactoferrin and lysozyme was demonstrated in the acinar cells and some duct cells. The amount of these substances was increased in obstructive parotitis. The 52 carcinomas showed a distinct distribution pattern for lactoferrin (positive cases: adenocarcinomas 5 of 8; cystadenocarcinomas: 3 of 5; adenoid cystic carcinomas 2 of 4; salivary duct carcinomas 2 of 3). Some of the carcinomas in pleomorphic adenomas were positive for lactoferrin. Squamous cell carcinomas and anaplastic carcinomas were constantly negative. All carcinomas were negative for lysozyme. These observations are discussed with respect to their physiological and pathological significance.

Malignant melanomas contain only the vimentin type of intermediate filaments

Six malignant melanomas have been examined for the type of intermediate filament they contain. All six cases showed positive staining of intermediate filaments with antibodies to vimentin, with cells containing large numbers of melanosomes being stained less strongly in general. The tumor cells did not react with antibodies to keratin, desmin, neurofilaments or glial fibrillary acidic protein. Thus typing of intermediate filaments can distinguish melanoma from undifferentiated carcinoma, but not from lymphoma or sarcoma. Since melanocytes are known to be vimentin positive, and since most of the samples we studied were from metastases, these results are a further indication that the intermediate filament type typical of the parental cell is retained in the metastases, as well as in the primaries of solid tumours. The implications of vimentin positivity for the histiogenesis of the melanocyte are also discussed.

Identification of Langerhans cells: simultaneous use of sera to intermediate filaments, T6 and HLA-DR antigens on oral mucosa, human epidermis and their tumours.

Langerhans cells in oral mucosa and epidermis have been identified using antibodies to intermediate filament proteins in conjunction with antibodies to T6 and HLA-DR antigens. Langerhans cells, lymphocytes and melanocytes are positive when tested with antibodies to vimentin, and negative with antibodies to prekeratin. Langerhans cells are also positive with antibodies directed against HLA-DR and T6 antigens. In contrast keratinocytes are positive for prekeratin and negative for vimentin, HLA-DR and T6. These methods provide a useful tool for the identification of Langerhans cells at the level of the light microscope, and have been used to show changes in the number and arrangement of these cells in squamous cell carcinomas of skin and oral mucosa, and in inflammatory conditions.