Distribution of S-100b protein in normal salivary glands and salivary gland tumors.

Immunohistochemical studies were performed for the presence of S-100b protein in non-neoplastic and neoplastic salivary gland tissues by the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method. Some cases of pleomorphic adenoma were investigated by immuno-electron microscopy. S-100b protein could not be detected in epithelial cells of intercalated ducts, acini, striated ducts and excretory ducts of non-neoplastic salivary gland. However, myoepithelial cells surrounding the acini and intercalated ducts were specifically stained by S-100b protein. In pleomorphic adenomas, S-100b protein-positive cells could be mostly observed in the myxoid and chondroid areas, and the basal layer cells of the double-layered ductal cells were also positive. In clear cell adenoma, the clear cells were also S-100b protein positive. In adenoid cystic carcinomas, S-100b protein-positive cells could be found in trabecular areas, but not in tumor cells showing cribriform-pattern. In other tumors (Warthin's tumor, oxyphilic adenoma, basal cell adenoma, mucoepidermoid tumor and acinar cell carcinoma), S-100b protein positive cells were seldom observed. Immuno-electron microscopically, S-100b protein was diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm of myoepithelial cells as well as of tumor cells of pleomorphic adenoma, being distributed especially on the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum and the outer nuclear membrane.