Presence of Human Beta-Defensin 2 Peptide in Keratinization in Salivary Gland Tumor

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the localization of β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) peptide on tissue sections of normal salivary gland and salivary gland tumor. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out using polyclonal rabbit anti-hBD-2 antibody. No positive reaction could be detected in normal salivary gland. In cases of pleomorphic adenoma, keratinization of the squamous epithelial island shows positive reaction for hBD-2 peptide with various intensities. The keratinization may be the only place to deposit hBD-2 peptide secreted from the epithelial cells in salivary gland tumors.