[An expression of the monoclonal antibody KM-93 reactive antigen in salivary gland tumors].

The expression of the antigen recognized by a monoclonal antibody KM-93 has been examined in salivary gland tumors by means of an immunohistochemical technique. In immunoperoxidase staining, KM-93 reacted strongly with mucoepidermoid carcinomas and papillary adenocarcinomas, but not with adenoid cystic carcinomas. Thus, this antibody may not meet the requirements as a tumor marker. The inner duct-lining cells of a pleomorphic adenoma expressed the antigen whereas its outer myoepithelial cells did not. In normal glands, neither mucous glands nor myoepithelial cells reacted with the antibody but serous glands and ducts stained positive with the antibody. KM-93, it is thought, would be found useful for differential diagnosis and histogenetic studies of salivary gland tumors.