Histochemistry of the keratohyalin granules in human oral leukoplakia

The keratohyalin granules from 25 human oral leukoplakias, showing benign hyperorthokeratosis histologically, were examined employing a series of histochemical techniques. The tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, 80% methanol, or Carnoy's fluid. The keratohyalin granules stained intensely with Pauly's reagent, Congo red and Harris hematoxylin, indicating the presence of proteins. This was confirmed by abolishing the staining reaction by pretreatment with proteolytic enzymes. The keratohyalin granules also reacted with methyl green-pyronin by staining pink at their peripheries; this staining was abolished by pretreatment with ribonuclease, indicating the presence of ribonucleotides. The keratohyalin granules partially stained with toluidine blue and colloidal iron, indicating the presence of acid polysaccharides. The keratohyalin granules did not react with the Feulgen reagent, suggesting the absence of DNA. Our studies indicate that the keratohyalin granules in human oral leukoplakia are primarily protein(s) complexed with polyribonucleotides. The presence of a carbohydrate moiety suggests the possibility of a protein-polysaccharide component in the granules.