Chronic sialadenitis. An immunocytochemical study in humans.

The cellular changes in salivary gland parenchyma with chronic inflammation were studied immunocytochemically with a panel of antibodies. Myoepithelial cells were labelled with antimyosin, duct cells with a polyclonal anti-callus prekeratin, a monoclonal anti-keratin CAM 5.2 and a monoclonal anti-keratin 7 (RPN 1162), and a subpopulation of basal duct cells with a monoclonal anti-keratin 16a. The wide range of changes observed were similar to those described following experimental duct ligation. One of the most striking features was the survival of myoepithelial cells surrounding persisting acini and ductal structures. Most of these ductal structures appeared to be either surviving intercalated ducts or were altered acinar cells. There was no evidence of myoepithelial or ductal hyperplasia. The 16a positive basally located duct cells which are conspicuous in normal glands, pleomorphic adenomas and in the epithelial islands in lymphoepithelial lesions (Palmer et al. 1985; 1986) were virtually absent, except in one specimen with mild inflammatory changes. If this cell type represents a reserve cell, then loss of it may preclude recovery of the remaining parenchyma following resolution of inflammation.