Analysis of collagen isotypes in crystalloid structures of salivary gland tumors.

Extracellular collagenous crystalloids (CCs) have been reported in salivary gland tumors. To study the occurrence and characteristics of these structures we reviewed 230 pleomorphic adenomas and myoepitheliomas of both major and minor salivary glands. Twelve of these cases contained crystalloids composed of radially arranged collagen fibers. However, no CCs were found in 124 malignant salivary gland tumors of different types. We show that CCs contain types I and III collagen but not type II, IV, or VI collagen. Moreover, cells surrounding CCs expressed the basement membrane molecules laminin and type IV collagen. These cells also showed other immunohistochemical features typical of myoepithelial cells.