Cell surface glycoproteins define distinct states of eccrine gland differentiation.

The capability to distinguish eccrine gland cells of the ductal compartment from the secretory portion on the molecular level, as well as from epidermal keratinocytes and other skin cells, is of importance for the study of eccrine differentiation and function. Furthermore, the assessment of differences between the cell systems is useful for the characterization of benign and malignant neoplasms derived from eccrine glands. In the present study, we analysed the expression of four selected epithelial cell surface glycoproteins (gp 80, gp 38, gp 115 and gp 200) in eccrine glands using specific monoclonal antibodies. We found that the glycoproteins are differentially expressed in the ductal compartments and in the secretory portion of the glands, as well as in normal epidermis and other skin cells. This permitted the assignment of specific phenotypes to cells of the ductal compartment and to those of the secretory portion.