Immunohistochemical characterization of functional markers in human minor salivary gland tumors.

The distribution of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), secretory component (SC), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), J-chain, and lysozyme in tumors of minor salivary glands was investigated using an immunoperoxidase method. Although CEA was demonstrated in both benign and malignant tumors, its distribution was relatively more common and with increased staining intensity in malignant tissues. In pleomorphic adenomas, the distribution of SC was similar to that of IgA and J-chain, suggesting the presence of secretory IgA in the epithelial cells. However, some neoplastic epithelial cells contained SC but not IgA and J-chain. No IgM was detected in such cells. Lysozyme could be demonstrated only in pleomorphic adenomas. Mucoepidermoid tumors and adenoidcystic carcinomas were negative for lysozyme. These findings suggest that some neoplastic ductal epithelial cells of pleomorphic adenomas retain functional characteristics of normal epithelial cells.