Immunohistochemical investigation of lysozyme, lactoferrin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and ferritin in parotid gland tumors.

Presence of lysozyme, lactoferrin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and ferritin was examined by the immunoperoxidase method in 15 consecutive parotid gland tumors as well as in normal parotid gland tissue. Lysozyme and lactoferrin were detected in intercalated duct cells of normal tissue and in the epithelial component of pleomorphic adenomas. alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and ferritin were found in both epithelial and mesenchymal components of pleomorphic adenomas but not in normal parotid tissue. In the epithelial component of adenolymphoma only alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and lactoferrin were observed. The results would support a tentative histogenetic link between the intercalated duct cell and the epithelial component of the pleomorphic adenoma.