Abstract
Immunohistochemically detectable human epidermal growth factor (hEGF)/γ-urogastrone (γ-UG) was demonstrated with the use of polyclonal anti-hEGF/γ-UG antiserum in normal human submandibular glands and in their obstructive lesions. hEGF/γ-UG was isolated and purified from human urine and tested for its biological specificity by radioreceptor assay, and prepared anti-hEGF Fab' fraction. Histochemical expression of hEGF/γ-UG was confined to the intercalated and striated duct cells, and staining intensities differed depending on the fixations used. PLP fixed frozen sections showed the highest staining for hEGF/γ-UG in ductal segments, and 10% formalin and/or Bouin's fixed paraffin sections also revealed moderate-to-strong deposition. No immunoreactive hEGF/γ-UG was detected in either serous or mucous acinar compartments. In specimens of the obstructive sialoadenitis, hEGF/γ-UG staining of degenerated ductal epithelia was reduced, and was completely negative in fully degenerated cells.
