[Immunohistochemical localization of lectins in normal salivary glands and mucoepidermoid carcinoma].

5 kinds of Lectins (ConA, PNA, RCA, SBA and WGA) were used to observe the immunochemical localization of lectins in the cells of normal salivary glands and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The result shows that in normal salivary glands ConA staining was found only in duct cells and serous acinar cells. Intercalated duct cells and striated duct cells of parotid and submandibular gland displayed RCA and WGA staining. The duct cells of sublingual gland and palatine gland did not react with lectin RCA. The ductal and acinar cells of normal salivary gland were not stained by PNA. Serous acinar cells of sublingual gland could be stained by SBA but mucous cells were negative. In tumor cells, ConA, RCA, WGA showed extensive staining which suggests the tumor cells contain similar glycoproteins as the normal duct cells. PNA was found in squamous epithelial cells but not in glandular epithelium. Its presence in tumor cells may indicate the degree of differentiation of these cells. Epidermoid and mucous cells of the tumor were also stained by 54 Kd antikeratin antibody. The results suggest this tumor may originate from the ductal cells of salivary gland.