PDX1 as a Marker of Early Differentiation of Human Pancreatic Duct Cells.

Epithelial progenitor cells of the primitive pancreatic ducts differentiate in 3 directions, which is accompanied by changes in cell phenotype. We analyze the distribution of the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) in the epithelial cells of pancreatic ducts during the prenatal development in order to determine the potential use of this marker as an indicator of pancreatic cell maturation. Pancreatic autopsies from human fetuses (gestation weeks 17-23) were examined by immunohistochemical methods. In general, PDX1 was detected in the epithelial cells that are involved in various morphogenetic processes related to the growth and branching of the fetal pancreatic ducts. The intensive positive reaction to PDX1/cytokeratin 19 indicates immature (progenitor) polypotent ductal cells.