[Phenotypic characterization of cells and structure of the extracellular matrix in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands].

Phenotypic characteristics of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) of 14 salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas were studied by indirect immunofluorescence. All cells in the epithelial structures expressed cytokeratin 8, the majority of cells produced vimentin, laminin and IV type collagen. Cells of myxoid areas expressed vimentin: type IV collagen was observed in the form of fibrillar structures. Fibrous areas were characterized by vimentin and cytokeratin 8 expression; types I, III, IV collagens and fibronectin with ED-A sequence were present in ECM. Terms "epithelial structures", "epithelial" and "myoepithelial" cells in relation to pleomorphic adenoma may be used only relatively as it is mainly represented by cells with features of both epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype. Characteristics of ECM synthesized in various structures of pleomorphic adenoma may serve an additional criterion of cell transformation.