Metachronous bilateral pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

Bilateral salivary gland tumors are very rare, accounting for 3% of all parotid gland tumors. Although the most common tumor with bilateral development is the Warthin tumor, pleomorphic adenomas (PA) have been diagnosed simultaneously as well, but in a smaller incidence. Because of this, the prevalence, etiology, pathogenesis, and behavior of the PA in this context are poorly understood. We present a case of bilateral metachronous PA affecting the parotid gland in a 63-year-old woman. Clinically, the lesions presented with similar aspects as seen in cases of solitary PA with slow-growing asymptomatic nodule. Both lesions were diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy at an interval of 2 years between them. A total and superficial parotidectomy for left and right tumors, respectively, was performed. Only on the left side some facial nerve branches were removed that induced partial paralysis in the patient. A review of the pertinent literature is included.     

Large calculi of the submandibular salivary glands

Salivary calculi occur in the submandibular and parotid glands, and their ducts, and occasionally reach a large size. However, little information is available on the composition of these giant stones. 2 cases are reported of unusually large calculi of the submandibular salivary glands. The glands were excised, and the results of chemical and infrared analysis of the calculi are presented.     

Clock gene expression in the submandibular glands

Clock genes, which mediate molecular circadian rhythms, are expressed in a circadian fashion in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and in various peripheral tissues. To establish a molecular basis for circadian regulation in the salivary glands, we examined expression profiles of clock-related genes and salivary gland-characteristic genes. Clock-related genes-including Per1, Per2, Cry1, Bmal1, Dec1, Dec2, Dbp, and Reverbalpha-showed robust circadian expression rhythms in the submandibular glands in 12:12-hour light-dark conditions. In addition, a robust circadian rhythm was observed in amylase 1 mRNA levels, whereas the expression of other salivary-gland-characteristic genes examined was not rhythmic. The Clock mutation resulted in increased or decreased mRNA levels of Per2, Bmal1, Dec1, Dec2, and Dbp, and in Cry1-/- background, Cry2 disruption also increased or decreased mRNA levels of these clock-related genes and the amylase 1 gene. These findings indicate that the Clock- and Cry-dependent molecular clock system is active in the salivary glands.     

Structural features of submandibular glands in the elderly

The purpose of this research was to clarify the structural features of submandibular glands in the elderly. Submandibular glands were removed from 28 cadavers (59-96 years) which dental students had used for anatomy practice. These specimens were fixed again with 10% formaldehyde, and then paraffin sections were made from these specimens according to a general method. After Hematoxylin Eosin, Mason-Goldner, Elastica von Gieson, and Alcian Blue staining had been given, these sections were observed with a light microscope. The specimens of the elderly whom the author had used in this research were divided into two groups of the higher elderly (80 years old or more) and the lower elderly (less than 80 years old). The results were as follows: 1) Intralobular and interlobular connective tissues increase in the submandibular gland of the higher elderly. 2) The epithelial cells of the striated portion become short in the higher elderly. 3) As for the epithelial cells of the interlobular ducts, strong Alcian Blue positive reaction is observed in the higher elderly. 4) The terminal portion by which a typical form is shown decreases in the higher elderly, and the number of terminal portions decreases, too. In addition, the terminal portion generally becomes small, and the tendency of extension of the glandular cavity is observed. 5) In the lower elderly, glandular cells which react to various levels of Alcian Blue exist. Such cells are distributed almost uniformly in the lobules. However, it seems that the Alcian Blue positive cells of the higher elderly decrease. 6) It seems that these structural changes of supportive tissue, duct system, and terminal portion in the submandibular gland of the higher elderly are structural features, suggesting that the secretory function decreases.     

Metachronous bilateral dentigerous cysts associated with permanent first molars

The occurrence of bilateral dentigerous cysts (DC) has been described as being associated mostly with third molars in adult patients. Very few reports show the bilateral occurrence of dentigerous cysts associated with first molars or premolars in childhood. The purpose of this report was to describe the case of a 5-year-old boy with bilateral mandibular dentigerous cysts associated with permanent first molars.     

Importance of submandibular salivary glands for organism

Based upon analysis of postoperative morbidity the authors concluded that salivary glands extirpation led to considerably often development of different gastrointestinal tract diseases in comparison with other operative interventions. The most often (62%) these diseases appeared in patients with submandibular salivary gland removal in anamnesis and rarer (21%) - with parotid salivary gland removal. So it could be claimed that salivary glands were an important constituent part of digestive system. Salivary glands removal was only proper in case of impossibility of carrying organ preserving operative intervention.     

Histologic assessment of the submandibular glands in autoimmune-disease-prone mice

Submandibular glands were examined from three autoimmune-disease-prone strains of mice (NZB/W, MRL/l and MRL/n) and controls (C57BL/6J). Focal lymphocytic adenitis was more prevalent and more severe in autoimmune-disease-prone strains than controls and in females than males. Lymphocytic foci were more frequent in older age groups, but female MRL/1 mice exhibited high levels of focal lymphocytic adenitis irrespective of age. Salivary parenchyma was generally well preserved. In the strain-age groups with the highest focal lymphocytic scores proportional acinar volumes were significantly less than in controls. However, the proportion of acinar tissue showed no consistent relation to the severity of focal lymphocytic adenitis across all strains and age groups of either sex. Sexual dimorphism in granular duct prominence was weakened in NZB/W and MRL/l strains compared to controls.     

Modulation of SOD activity in rat submandibular glands

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion (O(2)(*-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and hydroxyl radical (*OH) are produced constantly in aerobic organisms. Submandibular glands of rats treated with isoproterenol (ISO) were analysed in respect to the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation and glutathione (GSH)/GSSG. Although ISO response is very well studied in salivary glands cells, the effect of ISO treatment on ROS productions or on SOD activation is not known. SOD activity increased after isoproterenol subcutaneous injection. In contrast, cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, was found to decrease the total SOD activity. The GSH/GSSG ratio and the lipoperoxidation were also found to be increased after isoproterenol injection, while the protein oxidation was not affected by the same treatment. Injection of isoproterenol after cycloheximide treatment resulted in the recovery of the total SOD activity. This increase of activity is related to the amount of MnSOD isoform as shown by Western blot analysis. Our results suggest that the antioxidant protection of SOD may be activated during the salivary glands ISO treatment and that the mitochondrial MnSOD has an important role in the oxidative stress process.     

Nodular hyperplasia of oncocytes in mouse submandibular glands

Multinodular hyperplastic foci of oncocytes found in mouse submandibular glands were examined ultrastructurally, and their morphogenesis discussed. The oncocytic foci showed lobular architecture surrounded by myoepithelial cells, and tubular formations were frequently present. The cytoplasm of the oncocytes was distended by tightly-packed and non-oriented mitochondria which varied in size and shape. Furthermore, varying numbers of electron-dense fine granules, which were remnants of secretory granules of granular duct cells, were scattered in the cytoplasm. Within the salivary gland parenchyma neighboring the hyperplastic foci of oncocytes, intermediate-type cells between oncocytes and normal salivary gland epithelia were found. The result of the present study shows that the oncocytic change has a tendency to be more frequent in the granular ducts and less in the striated ducts, and that some oncocyte-transformed cells proliferate to form nodular hyperplastic foci.     

Oncocytic adenocarcinoma of salivary glands

Oncocytic adenocarcinoma of salivary gland origin is an extremely rare neoplasm. The diagnosis is established on the basis of oncocytic cellular features in conjunction with dysplastic change. These dysplastic changes may occur in benign oncocytomas or arise de novo. The tumor occurs most commonly in the parotid glands of persons over 60 years of age. Tumors that measure less than 2 cm at the initial surgical procedure appear to have a better prognosis than larger tumors. Aggressive surgical intervention at the initial presentation of the neoplasm, compared to simple enucleation, seems to offer a more favorable prognosis. Recurrence is an ominous feature. Metastasis, when it occurs, is widespread.     

涎腺粘液腺癌临床病理特点

目的 探讨涎腺粘液腺癌的临床病理学特点。方法 对6例涎腺粘液腺癌的临床表现进行分析，常规组织学及免疫组织化学方法分析其病理学特点。结果 涎腺粘液腺癌多发生于腭部及口底区，患者平均年龄为58岁，男性较女性多见。组织学上肿瘤呈浸润性生长，形成明显的粘液池。肿瘤细胞形态单一，细胞内有明显的粘液形成，核分裂象易见。肿瘤细胞的排列在分化好者可见明显的腺泡样结构，分化差者可形成不完整腺样结构或小团块漂浮在粘液池中，肿瘤细胞内有粘液形成，可见印戒样细胞。结论 涎腺粘液腺癌是较少见的涎腺恶性肿瘤，很少发生在腮腺及颌下腺。肿瘤的组织来源可能为粘液性腺泡细胞或多潜能细胞。肿瘤细胞分化程度不同，在病理学上应注意与粘液表皮样癌、脊索瘤及转移性粘液腺癌相鉴别。     

正常大鼠颌下腺上皮细胞极性培养

目的为了探索简便、有效的涎腺上皮细胞的体外培养方法。方法采用自制鼠尾胶原胶为底物．在培养液中加入一些促进上皮细胞生长分化的刺激物，对出生一天的Wistar大鼠颌下腺上皮细胞进行原代培养。通过相差显微微镜、光镜及透射电镜对上皮细胞的生长及分化进行观察和研究。结果培养的大鼠颌下腺上皮细胞呈多层生长且为极性分化，保留了腺泡导管分泌单位的三种上皮成份。结论本研究所采用的方法是一种简便、可行、有效的涎腺上皮细胞的体外培养方法，其中自制胶原胶是本研究培养成功的关键。