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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Isolation of Myoepithelial Cells from Adult Murine Lacrimal and Submandibular Glands
Published on: June 11, 2019
Myoepithelial cells in pathology
N Balachander1, K M K Masthan1, N Aravindha Babu1
1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Myoepithelial cells in salivary glands are crucial for saliva expulsion and electrolyte balance. Their diverse forms in tumors, including benign and malignant types, present diagnostic challenges in histopathology.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Myoepithelial cells are integral components of salivary glands, situated between epithelial cells and the basement membrane.
- These cells exhibit a spindle shape and possess cytoplasmic processes, displaying characteristics of both smooth muscle and epithelial cells.
- They are vital for salivary gland function, including saliva expulsion and electrolyte regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of myoepithelial cells in salivary gland physiology and pathology.
- To highlight their function as tumor suppressors and their importance in salivary gland tumor differentiation.
- To address the diagnostic challenges posed by the varied morphology of neoplastic myoepithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of salivary gland tissue.
- Ultrastructural analysis of myoepithelial cell morphology.
- Review of histopathological features in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.
Main Results:
- Myoepithelial cells are essential for saliva secretion and electrolyte balance.
- These cells act as tumor suppressors and aid in differentiating salivary gland tumors.
- Neoplastic myoepithelial cells manifest in diverse forms (epithelioid, plasmacytoid, spindle, clear cell), complicating histopathological diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Myoepithelial cells play a dual role in salivary gland function and tumor suppression.
- Understanding the morphological variability of neoplastic myoepithelial cells is critical for accurate diagnosis.
- Further research into myoepithelial cell biology can improve the management of salivary gland tumors.
Abstract:
Myoepithelial cells are a normal constituent of the salivary acini and ducts and are found between the epithelial cells and the basement membrane. Microscopically myoepithelial cells are thin and spindle-shaped and ultrastructurally they possess a number of Cytoplasmic processes that extend between and over the acinar and ductal-lining cells, and they show features of both smooth muscle and epithelium. They play a vital role during expulsion of saliva and regulates the electrolytic exchange. They also perform as tumor suppressors and are considered to play a very important role in differentiation of various salivary gland tumors and help in the diagnosis of tumors. Neoplastic myoepithelial cells in both benign and malignant tumors can take numerous forms including epithelioid, plasmacytoid, spindle and clear cell variant, and this variability largely accounts for difficulties in histopathological diagnosis.
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