Cell culture and characterization of human minor salivary gland duct cells

In order to facilitate studies on human salivary glands, a method was developed for the culture of minor salivary gland duct cells from tissues obtained from oral surgery protocols. Minor salivary glands were isolated from such tissues, and a serum-free growth medium was developed which supported the growth of the ductal component of these glands. The ductal origin of these cells was confirmed through immunohistochemical localization of replicating nuclei through incorporation of BrdU. The presence of epidermal keratin in replicating cells and the absence of smooth muscle myosin further substantiated the ductal origin of cells. Using normal growth medium calcium concentrations (1.05 mM), these cells produced a keratinized multilayer of cells unable to undergo routine subculture procedures. A reduction in calcium ion concentration to 0.1 mM resulted in a cell monolayer, without evidence of terminal keratinization, which could undergo at least eight serial passages (1:3 ratio) under cell culture conditions. It is advanced that these minor salivary gland duct cell cultures will be of use to those studying diseases and disorders of the salivary glands.