Genetic analysis of DNA microsatellite loci in salivary gland tumours: comparison with immunohistochemical detection of hMSH2 and p53 proteins.

To investigate genetic alterations in salivary gland tumours, microsatellite instability at eight representative loci and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 17 were analysed by polymerase chain reaction amplification. The results were compared with immunohistochemical expression of the hMSH2 and p53 proteins. Microsatellite instability and expression loss of hMSH2 protein were not recognized in the salivary gland tumours, suggesting a low frequency of abnormalities of the mismatch repair system. LOH associated with the p53 gene was detected in approximately one-half of pleomorphic adenomas and salivary carcinomas, which often showed strong p53 immunoreactivity. These features suggest that the p53 gene plays an important role in malignant transformation of salivary gland tumours. The genetic characteristics of pleomorphic adenomas might reflect a low-grade potential for malignant progression.