Immunohistological characterization of myoepithelial cells using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) in the myoepithelial cells of the rat submandibular salivary glands (SSG) during postnatal development. Material and method: SSG were obtained from 1, 30 and 60 days old, male, AO rats. Streptavidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method was used for immunohistochemistry. Cryostat sections were fixed in acetone and incubated with mAbs which specifically reacts with cytokeratins (CK) polypeptides ( CK7, CK8, CK18, CK kidney, K8.12, K8.13), rats epithelial (PT13D11), rats collagen (RMC-23), laminin (?6?1) and rats sialoadhesin (ED3). Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of the myoepithelial cells showed phenotypic heterogeneity during the postnatal development. Myoepithelial cells of acini were stained by K8.13, PT13D11 and ED3 mAbs, whereas these cells were not stained by mAbs CK7, CK8, CK18, CK-kidney, RMC-23 and ?6?1. In adult rats, myoepithelial cells of excretory duct were stained by K8.12 mAb. Conclusion: The obtained results show phenotypic heterogeneity of myoepithelial cells and might also be useful to further understanding of myoepithelial cells development and functions.