[c-erbB-2 oncogene product expression in lacrimal gland tumors]

Using a polyclonal antibody to the c-erbB-2 oncogene product (ErbB-2 protein), an immunohistochemical study on the expression of ErbB-2 protein in lacrimal gland tumors was performed. The expression of ErbB-2 protein was observed in 4 (33.3%) of 12 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, but was not in two cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma and one case of normal lacrimal gland. The immunohistochemical reaction was localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm, and was more intense in the former. There were strongly stained cells in the epithelium of ductal cell lineage and in the solid area, and some of the cells in the myxoid/chondroid areas were weakly stained. The relation ErbB-2 protein with the malignant lacrimal gland tumors in general is not clear, but pleomorphic adenomas of lacrimal gland could have some relation with this protein.