DISTRIBUTION OF TISSUE MARKERS IN ACINIC CELL CARCINOMAS OF SALIVARY-GLAND

Eight cases of acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary glands were histologically reclassified and their immunohistochemical expression and distribution for various tissue antigens were examined. The epithelial elements were divided into tubuloglandular components, microcystic patterns and solid nests. The authors' results indicated the following: 1) The duct luminal cells of tubuloglandular components have distinct epithelial features with cytokeratin (KL 1), alpha1-antichymotrypsin (alpha1-ACT), transferrin, lactoferrin, IgA, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) positivity. 2) The cyst-lining cells of microcystic pattern expressed immunophenotypes similar to those of the duct luminal cells. 3) The acinic cells in solid nests had positive results for KL 1, alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT), transferrin, lactoferrin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). 4) The clear cells in solid areas had positive results for KL1, alpha1-AT, transferrin and VIP. Both the clear cells and the neoplastic acinic cells showed a rather similar pattern of immunoreactivity. Therefore, the clear cells may transform from the neoplastic acinic cells. 5) Secretory products in tubuloglandular and microcystic patterns had positive results for alpha1-ACT, lactoferrin, IgA and CEA. 6) The basement membrane-like material between the neoplastic islands bas distinct positivity for alpha1-AT. The result suggests that alpha1-AT is a useful marker of basement membrane-like material.