Ultrastructure of the parotid duct. Cytochemical studies of the striated duct and papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum of the human parotid gland.

To our knowledge, there are currently no reports in the literature that discuss the fine structure of the striated ducts of the human parotid gland. Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (Warthin's tumor) is a benigh neoplasm found almost exclusively in the parotid gland that represents about 16% of all neoplasms of the gland. This neoplasm is believed to arise from the striated and/or excretory ducts, but there are contradictions with regard to the proposed origin and the cellular composition of some Warthin's tumors. Tissue was obtained at the time of surgery and examined ultrastructurally and cytochemically for the localization of alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase. Myoepithelial cells were found ultrastructurally and cytochemically on the proximal aspect of the striated duct, with their cell bodies situated at the junction of the striated and intercalated ducts. Two Warthin's tumors were observed with cells that were structurally and cytochemically similar to myoepithelial cells.