Detection of tissue polypeptide antigen in salivary glands and salivary gland tumors. An immunohistochemical study.

Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) was analyzed immunohistochemically in parotid gland tissue. This antigen, which is generally regarded as a proliferative antigen, was detected in the ductal system of the normal parotid gland. Parotid gland tumors were analyzed as well: pleomorphic adenomas; cystadenolymphomas; adenoid cystic carcinomas, and mucoepidermoid tumors. TPA could be found in distinct parts of every kind of tumor. However, apart from the TPA-positive cells, negative cells could be observed. The implications of these investigations are discussed.