MUC-1 expression in pleomorphic adenomas using two human milk fat globule protein membrane antibodies (HMFG-1 and

Santa Ponce-Bravo1, Constantino Ledesma-Montes1, Maricela Garcés-Ortíz1

  • 1Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F, México.

Abstract

Insights

This study identifies two distinct myoepithelial cell types in pleomorphic adenoma (PA) using MUC-1 protein expression. Modified neoplastic myoepithelial cells are HMFG-positive, while classic myoepithelial cells are HMFG-negative.

Area of Science:

  • Oral pathology
  • Tumor biology
  • Immunohistochemistry

Background:

  • Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common salivary gland tumor, with debated microscopic features and histogenesis.
  • Human milk fat globule protein membrane (HMFG) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) target the MUC-1 protein, found in various salivary gland tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunoexpression of MUC-1 protein in PA neoplastic cells using HMFG-1 and HMFG-2 MoAbs.
  • To compare MUC-1 expression in PA with normal salivary gland tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical detection of MUC-1 protein using HMFG-1 and HMFG-2 MoAbs.
  • Analysis of paraffin-embedded salivary gland tissue slides using the avidin-biotin method.

Main Results:

  • HMFG-1 and HMFG-2 MoAbs showed positivity in ductal, squamous metaplastic, and neoplastic myoepithelial cells, keratin pearls, and intraductal mucus.
  • Two myoepithelial cell types were identified: classic (HMFG-negative) and modified (HMFG-positive).
  • Modified myoepithelial cells exhibited MUC-1 immunoexpression similar to ductal epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

  • Pleomorphic adenoma contains two distinct populations of myoepithelial cells based on MUC-1 expression.
  • Neoplastic myoepithelial cells are HMFG-positive, while classic myoepithelial cells surrounding ducts are HMFG-negative.

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