Immunoglobulin-containing cells in normal human labial salivary glands

The distribution of immunoglobulin-containing cells within 8 normal human labial salivary glands was studied using an immunoperoxidase technique. Cell counts revealed that IgA-containing cells pre-dominated in all specimens and that the mean percentage class ratios for IgG:IgA:IgM:IgD cells were 4:92:3:1. IgE cells were rare and only detected in one gland. The density of IgA cells (191 cells/mm2 of labial gland section) was greater than those previously reported for the parotid and submandibular glands. These results support the view that minor salivary glands play an important role in the synthesis and secretion of salivary antibody.