elastin and Adenoma--Pleomorphic

Previous morphologic and histochemical studies have documented extracellular elastin and elastic fibers within the matrix of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands. By morphologic criteria, the elastin appeared to be synthesized by the tumor rather than being a consequence of stroma produced in response to the tumor cells. To examine this issue, nine pleomorphic adenomas were studied by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization with tropoelastin-specific antibodies and complementary DNAs. Corroborating the previous morphologic studies, immunohistochemistry demonstrated abundant extracellular elastin within the matrix of pleomorphic adenomas. Additionally, both immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization demonstrated continued synthesis of tropoelastin by the neoplastic cells. Tropoelastin production was seen in neoplastic cells with all morphologies.

Topics: Adenoma, Pleomorphic; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies; DNA, Complementary; Elastin; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Parotid Neoplasms; S100 Proteins; Tropoelastin

Topics: Adenoma, Pleomorphic; Collagen; Crystallization; Elastin; Humans; Laminin; Mucins; Myoepithelioma; Salivary Gland Neoplasms

A study was done to investigate the presence of type II collagen and elastin in the metaplastic chondroid tissue of 21 pleomorphic adenomas of the major and minor salivary glands. Type II collagen was detected with anti-bovine type II collagen antibody after double digestion of histological sections with trypsin and hyaluronidase. The immunoreaction was positive in the chondrocytic cells and intercellular matrix. Elastic fibers in the chondroid tissue were found by orcein staining; they were scarce and randomly distributed. Although the presence of type II collagen and elastin in the metaplastic chondroid tissue is not directly implicated in the genesis of the tumor, it reveals a unique and high grade of cellular differentiation in comparison with true cartilage.

Topics: Adenoma, Pleomorphic; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cartilage; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Collagen; Elastin; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Salivary Gland Neoplasms