Transient occurrence of 27 kDa heat-shock protein in the terminal tubule cells during postnatal development of the rat submandibular gland.

It has been suggested that the 27 kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp27) plays a role at crucial cellular checkpoints for proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. We examined the immunolocalization of Hsp27 in the rat submandibular gland during postnatal development, wherein acinar cells proliferate and differentiate at earlier postnatal periods. At 2 weeks of age, weak Hsp27 immunoreactivity was distributed diffusely over all gland components. At 3 weeks, Hsp27 immunoreactivity disappeared in most parts of the acini and ducts, but was intensely accumulated in a small cell population located in the acinar center. This population was composed mostly of terminal tubule (TT) type I cells. At 4 weeks, the Hsp27-immunopositive cell population in the acinar center was composed primarily of immature (type II) acinar cells, partly of immature (granulated) intercalated duct (ID) cells, and occasionally of apoptotic cells. After 5 weeks, all acinar components became mature and were no longer immunoreactive for Hsp27. When acinar cell differentiation was accelerated by administration of isoproterenol to 3-week-old rats for 7 days, the number of Hsp27-positive cells was significantly lower than in the control gland at 4 weeks, confirming that Hsp27 expression is downregulated in mature acinar cells. These results suggest that at around 3-4 weeks in postnatal development, the centroacinar TT cells stop proliferating and begin to differentiate into acinar and ID cells, and occasionally undergo apoptosis. Hsp27 is transiently expressed in the centroacinar TT cells during this critical period, and thus may play a role in their differentiation into the immediate descendants.     

Transient occurrence of 27 kDa heat‐shock protein in the terminal tubule cells during postnatal development of the rat submandibular gland

It has been suggested that the 27 kDa heat‐shock protein (Hsp27) plays a role at crucial cellular checkpoints for proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. We examined the immunolocalization of Hsp27 in the rat submandibular gland during postnatal development, wherein acinar cells proliferate and differentiate at earlier postnatal periods. At 2 weeks of age, weak Hsp27 immunoreactivity was distributed diffusely over all gland components. At 3 weeks, Hsp27 immunoreactivity disappeared in most parts of the acini and ducts, but was intensely accumulated in a small cell population located in the acinar center. This population was composed mostly of terminal tubule (TT) type I cells. At 4 weeks, the Hsp27‐immunopositive cell population in the acinar center was composed primarily of immature (type II) acinar cells, partly of immature (granulated) intercalated duct (ID) cells, and occasionally of apoptotic cells. After 5 weeks, all acinar components became mature and were no longer immunoreactive for Hsp27. When acinar cell differentiation was accelerated by administration of isoproterenol to 3‐week‐old rats for 7 days, the number of Hsp27‐positive cells was significantly lower than in the control gland at 4 weeks, confirming that Hsp27 expression is downregulated in mature acinar cells. These results suggest that at around 3–4 weeks in postnatal development, the centroacinar TT cells stop proliferating and begin to differentiate into acinar and ID cells, and occasionally undergo apoptosis. Hsp27 is transiently expressed in the centroacinar TT cells during this critical period, and thus may play a role in their differentiation into the immediate descendants. Anat Rec 264:358–366, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Dynamics of parenchymal cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis in the young adult female mouse submandibular gland

The submandibular salivary gland of the young adult female mouse has two secretory cell types, acinar and granular duct, which are separated by intercalated ducts. Based on the occurrence of autologous cell division in these cells, they have been traditionally classified as expanding populations. However, differentiation from stem or progenitor cells in the intercalated ducts, usually associated with renewing populations, has also been detected. The question of renewing or expanding populations is resolved by quantitating and integrating the rates of autologous cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis for each cell type. The integrated data shows that both acinar and granular duct cell populations exhibit a substantial positive growth index, whereas the growth index for the intercalated duct cells is moderately negative. On balance, it suggests that the submandibular gland of the young adult female mouse is still growing. Comparison of young female mice with older females suggests that, although overall parenchymal growth slows with age, there is no longer a net loss of intercalated duct cells. Comparison with young adult male submandibular glands indicates that gender differences exist in the rates and mechanisms used for maintaining the different cell populations. The acinar and granular duct cell populations in young adult female mouse submandibular glands are expanding at the expense of the intercalated duct cell population, which appears to be contracting.     

Localization of heat shock protein 27 (hsp27) in the rat gingiva and its changes with tooth eruption

Heat shock protein 27 kDa (Hsp27) functions as a molecular chaperon to prevent apoptosis as well as to contribute to the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation during development. In the present study, the localization of Hsp27 in the oral epithelium of rats and its expression change during formation of the gingiva with the tooth eruption were examined immunohistochemically to elucidate the roles of Hsp27 in the oral mucosa.In adult rats, Hsp27-immunoreactivity was localized in the prickle and granular layers but absent in the basal and horny layers of the oral epithelium. On the other hand, in the outer and sulcular epithelia of the free gingival, Hsp27-immunoreactivity was detected in the whole layers, while it was not found in the proliferation zone of the junctional epithelium immunoreactive for Ki67. In immature rats on 10th postnatal day, Hsp27-immunoreactivity was intense in the prickle and granular layers of the oral epithelium, but was not detected in its basal layer. In rats at the eruptive phase on 15th postnatal day, Hsp27-immunoreactivity was detected in sites of the basal layer adjacent to where the dental cusps penetrated through the oral epithelium. Although the immunoreactivity for Ki67 was found in the basal layer of the oral epithelium, it was not localized in the Hsp27-immunopositive sites of tooth-penetration in the basal layer. Just after the tooth-eruption on 20th postnatal day, Hsp27-immunoreactivity was not found in the stratified squamous epithelium at the dentogingival junction, whereas it was intense in a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells attached to the tooth neck. Ki67-positive cells were scattered in the stratified squamous epithelium at the dentogingival junction, whereas no positive cells were found in the portion of a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells.These findings suggest that the outer and sulcular epithelia of the free gingiva have a relatively slower rate of proliferation than other gingival and oral epithelia, and that Hsp27 might inhibit the proliferation of the basal cells. Such specific phenomenon in the free gingiva occurred immediately after the dental cusps were exposed to the oral cavity.     

Ultrastructural study of acinar and intercalated duct organization of submandibular and parotid salivary gland

According to some current hypotheses, the morphology and organization of the intercalated duct/acinar interface of salivary gland have implications for the induction of tumors in this organ. However, this region has received limited detailed investigation. To study the organization of the terminal ductal segments of salivary gland, conventional transmission electron microscopy of human parotid and submandibular glands and canine submandibular gland was combined with 3-dimensional observations of polymer casts of the canine submandibular ductal system; the latter were prepared by retrograde injection of acrylic resin via the main excretory duct with subsequent digestion of the gland tissue. The division of intercalated ducts, into first- and second-order branches, and acinar arrangement is more complex than previously suggested. The entire surface of each elongated second-order intercalated duct is covered with acini projecting in all directions. In the human gland, some acini abut directly on the intercalated duct surface, whereas others are connected by a short stalk of intercalated duct cells; in comparison with canine submandibular gland, the latter may be a modification producing a third-order of the intercalated duct unit. All of these features combine to produce a highly efficient secretory apparatus with a large proportion of acinar cells to each intercalated duct.     

Tissue distribution of an inducible cystatin in isoproterenol-treated rats

A well-characterized, monospecific rabbit antiserum directed to an isoproterenol-inducible type 2 salivary cystatin was used for immunocytochemical localization of this cystatin in rat salivary glands, as well as in other organs of normal and isoproterenol-treated rats. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed a moderate staining of secretory granules within the acinar cells of submandibular glands, which was more pronounced in tissues obtained from female rats. In addition, the inducible cystatin was readily detected within granular convoluted tubule cells and striated duct cells of submandibular glands of both male and female rats, although not all such structures were stained. Cystatin was also localized in the proximal convoluted tubule cells of the kidney in isoproterenol-treated female rats. Western blotting and Ouchterlony double diffusion analysis showed that the cystatin from submandibular gland and kidney extracts was immunologically identical.     

Immunolocalization of carbonic anhydrase isozymes in rat and mouse salivary and exorbital lacrimal glands

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozyme I and isozyme II have been localized with the immunoperoxidase bridge method in cells of mouse and rat salivary glands and exorbital lacrimal glands. Immunostaining proved optimal in Carnoy fixed specimens for some sites and in Bouin fixed glands for other sites. Staining in mouse largely resembled that in rat glands, but minor species differences were observed. Serous acinar cells in the submandibular gland stained uniformly and exclusively for CA I. From 50 to 100% of the serous acinar cells in the parotid glands evidenced content of both CA I and CA II. A minor population of serous acinar cells in the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland stained for CA I and CA II, but these glands in the rat failed to stain. Immunostaining was observed in ducts in Bouin fixed glands. Some cells in striated ducts of submandibular and sublingual glands stained for CA I and CA II and other cells in these ducts were negative. Such cellular heterogeneity was also observed in excretory ducts of submandibular and sublingual glands. These findings thus demonstrate the presence of CA in two morphologically and functionally diverse cell populations in rodent salivary glands. Immunolocalization of the CA isozymes in serous acinar cells and intercalated duct cells, presumably packaged in secretory granules, implies a role for this enzyme in salivary secretions whereas localization of CA in striated and excretory ducts suggests their traditional function in fluid and electrolyte transport.     

The development of the granular convoluted duct in the rat submandibular gland

The development of the granular convoluted duct in the submandibular gland of male rats, 4 to 12 weeks of age, was investigated. During this period, the average weight of the gland increased from 213 to 526 mg, the total DNA and RNA contents doubled, and the protein content tripled. Radioautographs were prepared from Epon embedded sections of the gland of the rats given ³H-thymidine and stained with toluidine blue. The glands of 4-week-old rats consisted mainly of acinar cells (45%), intercalated ductal cells (20%) and striated ductal cells (16%). A few granular convoluted ductal cells were seen in the striated duct close to the intercalated duct. The frequency (and absolute number) of granular convoluted ductal cells increased linearly from 1% (3 × 10⁶) at four weeks to 26% (68 × 10⁶) at eight weeks, while the calculated number of striated ductal cells remained stationary. The absolute number of acinar cells and intercalated ductal cells nearly doubled between four to eight weeks of age. The proliferative activity of all cell types declined with age but between six and ten weeks of age the rate of proliferation of ductal cells was relatively higher than the rate of proliferation of the acinar cells. Morphologically the size and number of granules in the granular convoluted ductal cells increased with age. Based on the above data it is concluded that the granular convoluted ductal cells developed from that segment of the striated ductal cells which is in close proximity with the intercalated ductal cells. The heterogeneity of the granules in the granular convoluted ductal cells observed from six weeks of age might denote the functional diversity of the cells.     

The development of the granular convoluted duct in the rat submandibular gland.

The development of the granular convoluted duct in the submandibular gland of male rats, 4 to 12 weeks of age, was investigated. During this period, the average weight of the gland increased from 213 to 526 mg, the total DNA and RNA contents doubled, and the protein content tripled. Radioautographs were prepared from Epon embedded sections of the gland of the rats given 3-H-thymidine and stained with toluidine blue. The glands of 4-week-old rats consisted mainly of acinar cells (45%), intercalated ductal cells (20%) and striated ductal cells (16%). A few granular convoluted ductal cells were seen in the striated duct close to the intercalated duct. The frequency (and absolute number) of granular convoluted ductal cells increased linearly from 1% (3 X 10-6) at four weeks to 26% (68 X 10-6) at eight weeks, while the calculated number of striated ductal cells remained stationary. The absolute number of acinar cells and intercalated ductal cells nearly doubled between four to eight weeks of age. The proliferative activity of all cell types declined with age but between six and ten weeks of age the rate of proliferation of ductal cells was relatively higher than the rate of proliferation of the acinar cells. Morphologically the size and number of granules in the granular convoluted ductal cells increased with age. Based on the above data it is concluded that the granular convoluted ductal cells developed from that segment of the striated ductal cells which is in close proximity with the intercalated ductal cells. The heterogeneity of the granules in the granular convoluted ductal cells observed from six weeks of age might denote the functional diversity of the cells.     

Cell death and cell proliferation during atrophy of the rat parotid gland induced by duct obstruction

Rat parotid gland atrophy after unilateral duct ligation was studied by light and electron microscopy. Death of secretory acinar cells, which took the form of apoptosis, resulted in their complete disappearance within 5 days. The remnants of the dying cells were mostly phagocytosed and degraded by macrophages within the glandular epithelium; a few were taken up by adjoining epithelial cells. The acinar cell deletion was accompanied by increased mitosis of striated and intercalated duct epithelial cells. However, over many weeks, there was enhanced apoptosis of duct cells, which eventually led to marked shortening of intercalated ducts. Apoptosis of capillary endothelial cells was observed and may account for the reduction in the capillary bed known to accompany gland atrophy. The end-stage lesion comprised small numbers of ducts in a condensed stroma. Compensatory hyperplasia, involving proliferation of duct and acinar cells, was demonstrated in the contralateral glands.     

Participation of the Fas and Fas ligand systems in apoptosis during atrophy of the rat submandibular glands

Most acinar cells and some duct cells undergo apoptosis during atrophy of the submandibular gland. The present study was designed to elucidate whether Fas and its receptor ligand (FasL) are involved during apoptotic atrophy of the gland. The excretory duct of the right submandibular gland of rats was doubly ligated with metal clips from 1 to 14 days for induction of gland atrophy. Control rats were untreated. Fas and FasL expression in the atrophied submandibular gland was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western immunoblot. Expression of activated caspase 8 and activated caspase 3 was also detected with IHC. Fas-positive acinar and duct cells and FasL-positive duct cells increased in the atrophic glands at 3 and 5 days after duct ligation when apoptotic cells were commonly observed. Thereafter, Fas- and FasL-positive cells declined in number. Patterns of expression of Fas and FasL using Western immunoblots concurred with the IHC results. Activated caspase 8-positive cells were present at every time interval but peaked at 3 and 5 days following duct ligation. The cells showing immunoreaction for activated caspase 3 first appeared on day 3, with the peak in apoptosis, after which they decreased. The results indicate that the Fas/FasL systems likely play an important role in apoptotic pathways during atrophy of the submandibular gland.     

Ultrastructural aspects of calf submandibular glands

Submandibular gland biopsies from four calves were examined by electron microscopy. Most of the parenchyma consists of mucous acini capped by seromucous demilunes. Secretory product of the demilunes reaches the acinar lumen via intercellular canaliculi located between adjacent demilunar cells or by narrow apical extensions of demilunar cells bordering the lumen in common with acinar cells. Intercellular canaliculi are absent between mucous acinar cells, but intercellular space is present at junctions of demilunar cells, acinar cells, and intercalated duct cells. Intercalated ducts are short and connect mucous acini with striated ducts. Striated ducts show more basal infoldings and mitochondria than those of bovine parotid glands. Nuclear bodies are present in most epithelial cell types of the gland but are larger and more easily recognized in nuclei of striated duct cells. Attempts are made to correlate the structure of bovine submandibular glands with its secretion of small amounts of hypotonic saliva relative to the larger volume of isotonic saliva secreted by parotid glands of the same animal.     

Different immunohistochemical localization for TMEM16A and CFTR in acinar and ductal cells of rat major salivary glands and exocrine pancreas

We investigated the mRNA expression and immunohistochemical localization of Cl^? channels, transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A or anoctamin 1), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in rat major salivary glands and exocrine pancreas. RT-PCR detected mRNA expression of TMEM16A and CFTR in the extracts of the parotid gland (PG), submandibular gland (SMG), sublingual gland (SLG), and pancreas. Immunoreactivity for TMEM16A was localized in the apical membrane of serous acinar and intercalated ductal cells in the PG and SMG as well as mucous acinar cells in the SLG; however, it was not detected in striated ductal cells of these tissues. Although striated ductal cells in the PG, SMG and SLG, and granular ductal cells in the SMG, were immunoreactive for CFTR in the luminal side, serous, mucous acinar, and intercalated ductal cells were not immunoreactive for CFTR in any of the major salivary glands. In the exocrine pancreas, immunoreactivity for TMEM16A was localized in the apical membrane of acinar cells, while immunoreactivity for CFTR was localized in the luminal side of intercalated ductal cells. These results suggest that different localization of TMEM16A and CFTR immunoreactivities reflects the respective functions of acinar and ductal cells in major salivary glands and exocrine pancreas.     

Recovery of rat submandibular salivary gland function following removal of obstruction: a sialometrical and sialochemical study

Functional recovery of the rat submandibular gland following ligation of the main excretory duct was examined. Rat submandibular glands were ligated for 1, 4 and 8 weeks using a micro-clip with a plastic tube. Micro-clips were removed and glands were allowed to recover for periods of 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Submandibular glands were stimulated with autonomimetic drugs (methacholine and isoprenaline) and salivas were collected from atrophic or de-ligated and contralateral control glands. Glands recovered almost full size (92% of control gland) following 24 weeks of de-ligation. Saliva volume secreted by ligated/de-ligated (RSM) and control (LSM) glands were similar with different doses of agonists. Protein output expressed per gram of tissue wet weight was similar from both ligated/de-ligated and control glands with all doses of agonist. Sodium and chloride levels were higher from de-ligated glands than contralateral control glands. Protein electrophoresis showed similar profiles of salivary proteins in all samples with some minor differences. Acinar cells in de-ligated glands showed a normal morphology, as indicated by light microscopy, whilst granular ductal cells were fewer and contained fewer secretory granules. Sodium potassium ATPase staining of striated ducts in de-ligated glands was similar to that of control glands. It can be concluded that rat submandibular glands can regenerate following severe atrophy and secrete normal amounts of saliva containing broadly a full profile of secretory proteins. In contrast to acinar cells, ductal cells appear not to recover full function.     

下颌下腺主导管结扎可激活损伤组织中的干/祖细胞

背景：成体干细胞的伦理学问题较少,而且某些操作技术比较成熟,利用成体干细胞进行组织工程化涎腺的构建具有十分诱人的吸引力和极其重要的应用前景。 目的：建立下颌下腺主导管结扎的涎腺组织损伤大鼠模型,探讨涎腺组织损伤模型中成体干/祖细胞存在的可能性及可能位置。 方法：SD大鼠统一行右侧下颌下腺主导管结扎,1周后处死大鼠取出两侧腺体,通过苏木精-伊红染色、PAS糖原染色及细胞角蛋白19、Bcl-2、Ki-67等指标的免疫组织化学测定,对正常涎腺组织与建立的损伤模型组织进行比较。 结果与结论：同一只大鼠,结扎侧与对照侧体积、质量有明显的差异。对照侧下颌下腺组织呈卵圆形,色泽红润,表面光滑,有完整包膜,质地柔软;结扎后腺体萎缩,组织形态欠规整,色泽暗红,包膜充血,质地变韧,周围组织血管代偿性扩张。主导管结扎的组织损伤模型可导致PAS阳性腺细胞的消失和细胞角蛋白19阳性的小导管上皮细胞增殖,并有在未结扎的腺体中很少见到的小丛层粘连蛋白阳性细胞出现在导管周围,而抑制细胞凋亡的Bcl-2和提示增殖活跃度的Ki-67的表达均有所增强。可见下颌下腺组织中可能存在着定位于涎腺周围导管区的下颌下腺干/祖细胞;下颌下腺主导管结扎导致的组织损伤模型是一种能有效激活下颌下腺组织中干/祖细胞的方法。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：干细胞;骨髓干细胞;造血干细胞;脂肪干细胞;肿瘤干细胞;胚胎干细胞;脐带脐血干细胞;干细胞诱导;干细胞分化;组织工程全文链接：     

Peroxidase activity in the submandibular gland of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (Soricidae, Insectivora)

Endogenous peroxidase activity in the submandibular gland of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus was cytochemically investigated by light and electron microscopy using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine-tetrahydrochloride salt (DAB). The submandibular glands of male Suncus murinus at 8-month-olds were excised and diced into small pieces. In general, salivary glands are structurally divided into a terminal portion comprising a secretory portion and duct system. The submandibular gland of the Suncus murinus, the terminal portions consisted of proximal and distal acinar cells. On the other hand, a granular duct cell of the duct system contained a number of characteristic myelin-like bodies. In the present study, the peroxidase reaction products were localized in the secretory granules of the proximal acinar cells and in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and myelin-like bodies of the granular duct cells. These reaction products were reduced when 5 mM 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole was added to the reaction medium. Additionally, release of peroxidase into the lumen was observed. In conclusion, the proximal acinar and granular duct cells formed peroxidase and may have performed excretory secretions. Moreover, the peroxidase positive myelin-like body consisted of lamellated membrane and its outer surface membrane continued to the endoplasmic reticulum.     

Tissue-specific expression of the tight junction proteins claudins and occludin in the rat salivary glands

Tight junctions (TJs) are essential features of endothelial barrier membranes and of fluid-secreting epithelial cells, such as in the salivary glands. Novel integral membrane proteins have been identified as components of TJs, namely claudins and occludin. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of occludin and claudins in the large salivary glands of the rat. The parotid, submandibular and sublingual salivary glands were harvested from adult Sprague-Dawley rats and cryostat sections were stained using immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence methods. Claudin-1 was expressed in endothelial cells of microvessels and in short selected segments of the duct system. Claudin-3 was expressed principally in the acinar cells and intercalated ducts, while claudin-4 was principally expressed by the striated and interlobular ducts. Claudin-5 was specific to endothelial cells of microvessels. Occludin was ubiquitously detected in the duct system. Double labelling and confocal microscopy showed some co-localization of claudin-3 with claudin-4, and minimal co-localization of occludin with claudin-4, in the striated ducts. Claudin 2 was not detected in any of the salivary glands. The results indicate specificity of the chemical composition of tight junctions in the rat salivary glands, and may reflect different physiological roles for TJs in the glandular and duct epithelial cells, and in endothelial cells of salivary gland microvessels.     

On the ultrastructure of the parotid and submandibular gland of the mongoose Herpestes edwardsi (Viverridae) (author's transl)

The parotid and submandibular glands of the mongoose are described. Essential differences between the 2 glands were recognized in the acini; however, the intra- and interlobular ducts are built up similarly. The parotid gland is acinar. Its secretory cells are filled with distinct types of granula, which show a considerable variation of size and structure of their secretory material. Organelles are found sparsely. The submandibular gland, however, is tubuloacinar. Its tubuli are capped with cells which belong to the demilunes of v. EBNER, but because of their pale granules they occupy an exceptional position. As the acinar cells of the parotid gland, they form intercellular canaliculi by their plasmalemmata. In the secretory cells of the tubules an intimate contact between the rER and the granules is observed. The intralobular duct surface is built up by an onelayered epithelial cell formation. The cytoplasm of the intercalated duct cells is rich in bundles of filaments, and these cells contain mitochondria with a particular dense matrix. Some microvilli cover the apical surface. In the cells of the striated ducts several populations of granules differing in size and electron density are found. The material of the dense granules shows a marginal plate-like condensation, sometimes it cristallizes. It is supposed that they were released by an apocrine extrusion mechanism. Terminal axons innervate the acini, the duct cells, and also the myoepithelial cells. The findings are compared with the well-known morphology of the salivary glands of the cat.     

Differential distribution of a carbohydrate epitope (Y) on human salivary gland cell membranes.

Monoclonal antibody 303 (mAb 303) reacts with the high molecular weight agglutinin present in human saliva. Its reactivity is periodate sensitive, and it has been shown to recognize the Y epitope. Immunogold labeling of thin sections of human parotid and submandibular glands with mAb 303 showed reactivity in secretory granules of serous acinar, intercalated and striated duct cells (Takano et al., 1988). We now report that the apical and basolateral membranes of salivary acinar and duct cells are labeled by mAb 303, but not myoepithelial cells, endothelial cells and other mesenchymal cells. Gold particles were confined to acinar and duct cell membranes even when myoepithelial cells were directly adjacent, suggesting that the epitope resides on a membrane glycoprotein and that the label does not represent secreted agglutinin bound to the cell surface. Although myoepithelial cells are thought to differentiate from epithelial stem cells, the present results indicate that substantial compositional differences exist between the membranes of myoepithelial cells and other salivary parenchymal cells. Earlier studies also showed that mAb 303 labels normal pancreatic acinar cells and certain salivary (pleomorphic adenoma) and mammary (lactating adenoma) tumors (Bogert et al., 1988). This antibody thus may be a useful reagent for characterizing the origin of exocrine gland-derived cell cultures and neoplastic cells. Further, localization studies may provide insight into the role of the Lewis blood group-related epitope in secretory cells.