Minor Glands Research Articles

Expression of inhibin/activin-βA and -βB subunits in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrial tissue: an immunohistochemical analysis

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis (SPCA) of the salivary gland is a rarely encountered lesion of uncertain pathogenesis that shares histologic features with sclerosing adenosis and fibrocystic disease of the mammary gland. To date, fewer than 40 cases of SPCA have been reported in the literature; all but one have arisen in the major salivary glands. We report 3 cases of SPCA involving minor salivary glands and discuss the characteristic histopathologic features of SPCA, which include a combination of fibrosis, tubuloacinar proliferation, and cystic change with retention of a somewhat lobular architecture. We also provide a review of contemporary relevant literature. Given that SPCA has been mistaken for malignant salivary gland neoplasia, a familiarity with the entity is critical. Three new cases of SPCA involving minor glands are added to 1 existing case in the literature to raise awareness of the lesion and to reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis.

Human minor and major gland saliva proteins and ability to mediate Actinomyces naeslundii adherence

Bacteria-binding components and the ability to mediate bacterial adhesion to the tooth surface have been thoroughly studied in major salivary gland secretions. Our knowledge on the bacteria binding activity in minor gland saliva is, however, limited. In this study, proteins were examined in parallel in minor (palatal, buccal and labial) and major (parotid and submandibular/sublingual) salivary gland secretions in one subject using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting. The adherence of early colonizing Actinomyces naeslundii to pellicles formed from the secretions on hydroxyapatite beads was also examined. Amylase, IgA, proline-rich proteins and the high-molecular-weight glycoproteins, agglutinins, were detected in all saliva tested. Carbohydrate-reactive antibodies recognized the low-molecular weight mucin, MUC 7 in submandibular/sublingual saliva only. A. naeslundii strain 12104 adhered to all pellicles and especially to the buccal gland saliva pellicles. Strain LY7 adhered in highest numbers to the submandibular/sublingual saliva pellicles. It also bound in considerable numbers to parotid and palatal saliva pellicles but not to the ones formed from buccal and labial gland saliva. Our findings indicate that several bacteria-binding components are secreted in both minor and major gland saliva. The adherence-promoting ability of the various gland secretions differs, however.

Histopathological investigation of salivary glands in the asymptomatic elderly

The significance of labial gland biopsies (LGBs) in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) in the elderly has been a controversial subject since it is complicated by age-related histopathological changes. In an attempt to clarify the appropriateness of LGBs in present diagnosis criteria, we evaluated the specificity of LGBs using autopsied tissues. This was done by taking labial, sublingual and submandibular salivary glands from 53 autopsy subjects (24 males and 29 females) with an average age of 84 years, and testing them histopathologically with reference to a previously reported grading system. None had any sicca symptoms (oral dryness or dry eye). In subjects up to 75 years old, acinar atrophy was more frequent in labial glands than in the two major salivary glands ( P=0.0098 for sublingual and P=0.0009 for submandibular glands). Also, while there were significant differences in frequency of such atrophy between the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands of subjects younger and older than 75, the labial glands showed no such variation. Taking grade 3 (focus score of 1) as the diagnosis criterion, two subjects were determined to have SS in which case the specificity was 95%. Using contemporaneous serological test results for anti-SSA/Ro antibodies as a diagnostic criterion raised specificity to 98%. For both major and minor glands, these appeared to be no relationship between degree of lymphocytic infiltration and age. Our results thus suggest that it is appropriate to adopt a focus score of 1 as a diagnostic criterion for SS in the elderly, and that serological test results can improve specificity.

The H+/K+-ATPase (proton) pump is expressed in human laryngeal submucosal glands.

Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease has significantly increased over recent years. The larynx is highly sensitive to the effects of LPRD and is similarly responsive to proton pump inhibitor pharmacotherapy. The hypothesis of the study was that proton pump activity exists in the human larynx and plays a functional role in normal and/or pathological laryngeal tissue. Pathological investigation. Two fresh human cadaveric larynges (one male and one female larynx) were obtained as part of an exempt protocol from the Human Subjects Committee and were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. Banked human stomach tissue was also obtained for use as comparative positive and negative control specimens. Sections were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies reactive with both alpha and beta subunits of the H+/K+-ATPase (proton) pump. Specimens were reviewed for staining pattern and intensity. Stomach parietal cells (known to produce gastric acid) exhibited strongly positive staining for both the alpha and beta subunits of the proton pump. There was no staining in stomach cells that were not morphologically consistent with the parietal cell. In the human larynx there were strong focal and identical staining patterns in the serous cells and ducts of the minor seromucinous glands by both alpha and beta monoclonals to the proton pump. There was variable staining in the laryngeal epithelium that was thought to be consistent with artifact staining resulting from tissue processing. The H+/K+-ATPase (proton) pump is present in serous cells and ducts of submucosal glands in the human larynx. Proton pump inhibitor pharmacotherapy may have a site of action in seromucinous glands of the human larynx, with possible relevance for patients treated for chronic laryngitis with or without laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

Behavioural effects of minor sex pheromone components in Brazilian apple leafroller Bonagota cranaodes (Lep., Tortricidae)

Abstract: The behavioural response of Brazilian apple leafroller males, Bonagota cranaodes (Meyrick), to natural and synthetic sex pheromone was studied in a wind tunnel. Calling females elicited upwind flights followed by landing and wingfanning at the source in 72% of the males tested. Female gland extracts, with the main compound (E, Z)3,5dodecadienyl acetate released at 100 pg/min, attracted 57% of the males to the source. Few males (1%) were attracted to the main compound alone, released at the same rate. Even a synthetic blend of all five gland compounds eliciting an antennal response, formulated according to their proportion in female gland extracts, was barely attractive (7%). Comparison of this synthetic blend and female gland extracts indicates a behavioural role of other gland compounds. Male attraction was significantly increased (34%) in response to a 100 : 5 : 5 : 5‐blend of the main compound and three minor gland compounds, (Z)‐5‐dodecenyl acetate, (E, Z)‐3,5‐tetradecadienyl acetate, and (Z)‐9‐hexadecenyl acetate.

Elastic theory of single spider silk protein molecule

Spider silk exhibits two excellent mechanical features, toughness and extensibility. In recent years, considerable investigations have been focused on it. The understanding of spider silk protein is significant for the bionic silk. In this article, we study the force extension property of spider silk proteins as the function of the amino acid compositions for major and minor ampullate glands of typical Araneid orb weaver, as well as one artificial spider silk by Monte Carlo simulation. The results are also compared with a designed protein whose amino acid composition is uniform. It shows clearly that the major and minor ampullate gland proteins are much tougher than the designed protein, and the artificial protein as a model of a nature spider silk do have good mechanical properties. Our simulation reveals that the mechanical property of a spider silk protein is dependent on amino acid composition and the composition of spider silk protein is an excellent result of natural evolution.

Minor salivary gland secretion in children and adults

The minor salivary glands are of great importance in the physiology and pathology of the oral cavity. So far, studies of the minor glands have concentrated on adults. In the present study, minor salivary gland secretion was studied in the buccal and labial mucosa of 3-year-old children, adolescents and young adults. In addition, the number of glands per surface area was assessed in the labial mucosa. A total of 90 individuals were included, 30 in each age-group. Saliva was collected on filter paper discs and the salivary secretion rate was measured using a Periotron 8000 ®. The number of secreting labial glands was assessed on PAS-stained filter paper discs under a microscope. Salivary secretion in the buccal mucosa was found to be age-related, with a statistically significant lower rate of secretion ( P=0.003) in the 3-year-olds (mean 7.7 μl cm −2 min −1) compared with the young adults (11.9 μl cm −2 min −1). No significant differences between the sexes were noted. For the labial glands, no age- or sex-related differences were found. In all age-groups, salivary secretion was significantly higher in the buccal than in the labial mucosal area. A statistically significant difference in number of secreting glands was found between all age-groups, with a decreasing number of glands per surface unit with age. The number of glands was significantly lower in males compared with females in the group of adults. The lower rate of buccal salivary secretion in the young children may imply that the oral mucosa is more vulnerable to external injury and that caries protection on the buccal molar surfaces is lower. Previous studies indicate that adults with a reduced rate of minor salivary gland secretion are more susceptible to caries.

Minor gland and whole saliva in postmenopausal women using a low potency oestrogen (oestriol)

Many women undergo hormone replacement therapy in order to relieve menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms. Oral discomfort is common among these symptoms and studies have shown that the stimulated whole saliva flow rate is increased after combined oestradiol and progesterone replacement therapy. There is, however, no data regarding the effect of other oestrogens or of oestrogen alone on whole and minor gland saliva. In the present study, the flow rate from minor salivary glands (buccal, labial and palatal) and the secretion rate and buffer capacity of whole saliva was examined in 18 postmenopausal women (61–76 years) prior to, and during 1 year of a low potency oestrogen (oestriol) use. The ability of whole saliva to aggregate and mediate bacterial adherence as well as subjective feelings of dry mouth was also examined. For comparison, the same variables were examined in nine peri- and postmenopausal, non-medicated women (reference group, 53–61 years). During hormone treatment, the labial saliva flow was significantly increased and the complaints of dry mouth reduced. Increased stimulated whole saliva flow was seen in both the hormone and reference groups. This was also true for the stimulated whole saliva buffer capacity, which was increased parallel to the flow rate. The secretion rates were generally lower in the hormone group compared to the reference group throughout the study period. Except for stimulated whole saliva, statistical analysis at baseline revealed no age-related reduction of the saliva flow rates. The ability of whole saliva to mediate aggregation of Actinomyces næslundii was significantly decreased after hormone treatment. Thus, the present findings indicate that a low dose oestrogen (oestriol) may affect the flow rate of labial salivary glands and the bacterial aggregation activity of whole saliva.

From EST sequence to spider silk spinning: identification and molecular characterisation of Nephila senegalensis major ampullate gland peroxidase NsPox

Spider dragline silk is renowned as one of the toughest materials of its kind. In nature, spider silks are spun out of aqueous solutions under environmental conditions. This is in contrast to production of most synthetic fibres, where hazardous solvents, high temperatures and pressure are used. In order to identify some of the chemical processes involved in spider silk spinning, we have produced a collection of cDNA sequences from specific regions of Nephila senegalensis major ampullate gland. We examined in detail the sequence and expression of a putative Nephila senegalensis peroxidase gene ( NsPox) from our EST collection. NsPox encodes a protein with similarity to Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti peroxidases. Northern analysis and in situ localisation experiments revealed that NsPox is expressed in major and minor ampullate glands of the spider where the main components of the dragline silk are produced. We suggest that NsPox plays a role in dragline silk fibre formation and/or processing.

特異な臨床病像を呈した鼻歯槽嚢胞の２例

Two cases of nasoalveolar cysts presenting with characteristic clinical features are reported.A 42-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of upper lip swelling by her dentist. A computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed bilateral nasoalveolar cysts.A 50-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a swelling at the right nasal ala with epiphora by her dentist. A CT scan revealed a right-side nasoalveolar cyst, possibly developing from the nasolacrimal duct. Both cysts were removed surgically under general anesthesia, and they adhered to the nasal mucous membrane.Histopathological examination revealed that the cyst walls consisted of columnar epithelium with goblet cells and fibrous connective tissue with minor glands.

Neoplasias de glândulas salivares: estudo de 119 casos

OBJETIVO: Revisão dos achados clinicopatológicos dos tumores de glândulas salivares diagnosticados no período de 1980 a 1997 no Departamento de Patologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp). MÉTODO: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo de 205.967 diagnósticos anatomopatológicos e encontrados 119 casos de neoplasias de glândulas salivares, sendo 93 (78%) neoplasias benignas e 26 (22%) malignas. RESULTADOS: A idade variou de 6 a 74 anos (média de 40 anos), sendo 71 (60%) pacientes do sexo feminino e 48 (40%) do sexo masculino. Com relação à topografia, 84 (70,6%) casos foram de parótida, 23 (19,3%) de glândula submandibular, 11 (9,24%) de glândulas salivares menores e um (0,86%) de glândula sublingual. Quanto ao tipo histológico, os tumores corresponderam a 59,7% de adenomas pleomórficos, 10% de cistoadenomas papilíferos linfomatosos (tumor de Warthin), 9,3% de carcinomas adenóides císticos e 8,4 % de carcinomas mucoepidermóides. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão de distribuição dos tumores de glândulas salivares foi semelhante ao encontrado em outras séries. A análise desta distribuição permite identificar variáveis como localização e padrão histológico, subsídios importantes que devem ser considerados no tratamento e em estudos de marcadores prognósticos.

Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides are expressed in salivary glands and saliva.

The expression of antimicrobial peptides at epithelial surfaces such as skin, lung, and intestine is thought to provide protection against infection. Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides are essential for the protection of skin against invasive bacterial infection. To determine if cathelicidins are also present in the oral cavity, we examined the expression of both mRNA and protein in mice and human saliva. The murine cathelicidin (CRAMP) was detected in the adult by reverse-transcription/polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR), and in embryonic, newborn, and adult tissues by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. CRAMP mRNA and protein were localized to the salivary glands, specifically in acinar cells of the submandibular gland and palatine minor glands, as well as in lingual epithelium and palatal mucosa. In man, the human cathelicidin LL-37 was detected in human saliva by Western blotting. These results indicate that cathelicidins are present in the salivary system, in some oral epithelia, and in saliva, contributing to broad-spectrum defense of the oral cavity.

Epithelial differentiation of the lower urinary tract with recognition of the minor prostatic glands

Preservation of tissues in glutaraldehyde-based fixatives allows identification of prostatic glandular secretions without resorting to immunostaining. This has enabled detailed histological assessment of the entire male urethra and bladder and has confirmed prostatic epithelial cells outside the confines of the prostate gland. Male and female lower urinary tracts are also compared. Three intact bladders and penile urethras from radical surgical specimens, tissue from 10 radical prostatectomies, 12 penile urethral biopsy specimens, and 40 samples of of metaplastic bladder mucosa were evaluated after undergoing glutaraldehyde-based fixation (Solufix, Tissugen, Western Australia). All sections were immunostained for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and high molecular–weight cytokeratin. Selected formalin-fixed samples also were assessed and stained for androgen receptor status, and 10 female control subjects also were evaluated. Prostatic epithelial cells, as recognized by their content of prostate secretory granules (PSG), were identified in almost all periurethral glands seen along the length of the penile urethra. These “minor prostatic glands” were composed entirely of prostatic cells or, more commonly, mixed prostatic and mucinous epithelium. The penile urethra was lined by transitional epithelium, whereas the prostatic urethra was lined by glandular cells with superficial androgen receptor–positive cells that had lost much of their secretory function. Foci of cystitis cystica/glandularis contained prostatic cells in more than half of the cases evaluated, and in all cases PSG secretion in extraprostatic sites was commensurate with PSA secretion. No prostatic secretion was seen in the female control cases, and the female urethra, in contrast to the male urethra, was lined entirely by glycogenated stratified squamous epithelium similar to the epithelium lining the vagina and vulva. This study defines the entity of minor prostatic glands and confirms their extensive normal distribution in the adult male subject. Minimal but persistently elevated levels of serum PSA occuring after successful radical prostatectomy may be related in part to this phenomenon. The female lower urinary tract differs considerably from the male but has similar features related to the lower genital tract. HUM PATHOL 33:905-909. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Intraduct papilloma of the palate. Report of a case

Salivary gland papillomas are rare tumours arising from ductal epithelium. Intraduct papillomas are the most rare of all duct papillomas. Only four intraduct papillomas have been described in a review of nearly 3100 epithelial salivary tumours. Intraduct papillomas are located almost exclusively in the excretory ducts of the minor salvary glands. However, also the major salivary glands may be affected. Microscopically, the tumour consists of fibrovascular papillae covered by a columnar or cuboidal epithelium. The authors describe an intraduct papilloma of the palate in a 74-year-old woman. The excision of the lesion was curative.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma: a retrospective clinical review.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are uncommon tumors, representing about 10% to 15% of head and neck tumors. We compare the survival and control rates at our institution with those reported in the literature, and examine putative predictors of outcome. All patients registered with the tumor registry as having had ACC were identified. Demographic and survival variables were retrieved from the database. Additionally, a chart review of all patients was done to obtain specific information. Minor gland tumors were staged using the American Joint Committee on Cancer's criteria for squamous cell carcinomas in identical sites. Histopathologic variables retrieved included grade of the tumor, margins, and perineural invasion. Treatment modalities, field sizes, and radiation doses were recorded in applicable cases. An effort to retrieve archival tumor specimens for immunohistochemical analysis was undertaken. A total of 69 patients were treated for ACC from 1955 to 1999. One patient, who presented with fatal brain metastasis, was excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 68 patients, 30 were men and 38 were women. The average age at diagnosis was 52 years, and mean follow-up was 13.2 years. Mean survival was 7.7 years. Overall survival (OS) rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 72%, 44%, and 34%, and cause-specific survival was 83%, 71%, and 55%, respectively. Recurrence-free survival rates were 65%, 52%, and 30% at 5, 10, and 15 years, with a total of 29 of 68 (43%) eventually suffering a recurrence. Overall survival was adversely affected by advancing T and AJCC stage. Higher tumor grades were also associated with decreased OS, although the numbers compared were small. Primaries of the nasosinal region fared poorly when compared with other locations. Total recurrence-free survival, local and distant recurrence rates were distinctly better in primaries of the oral cavity/oropharynx when compared with those in other locations. Reduced distant recurrence-free survival was significantly associated with increasing stage. No other variables were predictive for recurrence. Additionally, we found that nasosinal tumors were more likely to display higher stage at presentation, and were more often associated with perineural invasion. Also of interest was the association of perineural invasion with margin status, with 15 of 20 patients with positive margins displaying perineural invasion, while only 5 of 17 with negative margins showed nerve invasion (P = 0.02). On immunohistochemistry, 2 cases of the 29 (7%) tumor specimens found displayed HER-2/neu positivity. No correlation between clinical behavior and positive staining could be demonstrated. Our data concur with previous reports on ACC in terms of survival and recurrence statistics. Stage and site of primary were important determinants of outcome. Grade may still serve a role in decision making. We could not demonstrate any differences attributable to primary modality of therapy, perhaps due to the nonrandomization of patients into the various treatment tracks and the inclusion of palliative cases. Similarly, perineural invasion, radiation dose and field size, and HER-2/neu positivity did not prove to be important factors in our experience.

Significance of saliva for the denture-wearing population.

This paper summarises a series of studies already published in German and presents new data related to the aetiology of the 'dry mouth' and its associated problems. To study factors affecting mucous and serous salivary gland secretion, the aetiology of the 'dry mouth' and its associated problems, causative factors for hyposalivation and it's treatment. Two university dental hospitals. 587 denture wearers and 521 control subjects, and autopsy material. Exercise, chewing, water, oestrogen, pilocarpine, and anetholtrithion therapy, biopsy of the minor glands. Palatal secretion (PAL, microL/cm2/min) and parotid salivary flow (PAR), subjective complaints and clinical findings. Resting flow rates for PAL between 0 and 65 microliters/cm2/min were seen in every age group. The flow rates of PAR (0 to 3.7 ml/10 min) were not correlated with PAL. Most patients with a resting flow rate of PAL < or = 6.0 microliters/cm2 suffer from a 'dry mouth' and Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) or oral dysaesthesia (OD) with or without chronic lesions of the oral mucosa. Etiological factors for the incidence of reduced PAL and associated problems include xerostomic drugs, oestrogen deficiency, radiotherapy, thyroid dysfunction, smoking or continuous wearing of complete upper dentures. PAL also correlated with the retention of upper complete dentures. PAL was correlated with the water content of epithelial tissues. PAL and PAR were both increased by drinking ample fluid, improving their circulation by physical exercises, chewing intensively, or taking oestrogens, pilocarpine, anetholtrithion. Variation in palatal salivary secretion occurs and is clinically important.

A High Resolution SEM Study of Human Minor Salivary Glands

By SEM we have investigated the human minor salivary glands using the NaOH method for the visualization of endpieces and myoepithelial cells, and the osmium maceration technique that reveals membranous intracellular structures. With the former method all minor glands, including the posterior deep (Ebner's) lingual glands, consist of tubules sometimes dilated into alveoli, while true acini of the kind observed in human major salivary glands, are absent. Tubules of the posterior deep lingual gland exhibit stellate myoepitelial cells that leave a substantial part of the secretory cells uncovered. The latter cells, at variance with serous cells of major glands, do not show basal folds. In contrast, tubules of the other minor glands, like the mucous ones of major glands, are covered almost completely by band-like myoepithelial cells. The osmium maceration method clearly demonstrates that posterior deep lingual glands are serous in character and that all the other minor glands, together with the predominant mucous cells, possess a variable number of seromucous cells that, despite variations among individuals, increase in order from palatine and posterior superficial lingual (Weber's), to minor sublingual, labial, anterior lingual (Blandin and Nuhn's), and buccal glands.

Trefoil factor expression in normaland diseased human salivary glands

Trefoil factors are wound-healing peptides important in protectionand healing of the human gastrointestinal tract. Their potential for therapy of gastrointestinal ulcers has been established. This study investigated the hypothesis that trefoil factors are also present in human salivary gland. Tissues from surgical biopsy specimens were collected fresh into ice and stored in liquid nitrogen. Breast, stomach, and colon constituted positive controls. Trefoil factor mRNAs were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or by in situ hybridization (ISH) with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. Amplified DNA fragments were ligated into pGEM-T Easy vector and used to transform competent Escherichia coli JM109, allowing sequencing to confirm identity of cloned fragments. Generation of amplifiable cDNA was confirmed using primers specific to the ubiquitously expressed abl gene. By RTPCR, TFF1 (pS2) mRNA was detected in 14 of 15 glands, TFF3 (hI TF) mRNA in 13, and TFF2 (hSP) in only 1 gland. ISH of 15 glands (7 of which had been studied by RT-PCR) showed the same pattern of expression and indicated that TFF1 mRNA was usually expressed at low levels by a few mucous cells, whereas TFF3 was produced abundantly by most mucous cells. There was no difference in patterns of expression comparing parotid, submandibular, and minor mucous glands. Nor was there an obvious relationship between trefoil factor expression and pathology, but those glands not expressing TFF1 or TFF3 had evidence of chronic inflammation or atrophy. Trefoil factors are likely to be important in healing, predisposition to, and therapy of, oral diseases.

Glycoproteins and skin-core structure in Nephila clavipes spider silk observed by light and electron microscopy.

Microscopical imaging of natural, unstressed draglines or of untreated bulk samples showed two types or threads with diameters of either approximately 1-2 microm or 4-5 microm, which could be identified as products of the minor or major ampullate glands. The threads had a circular profile in serial cross sections and are surrounded by a thin outer layer of a different material within the section. Such fibrillar configurations were also found in untreated threads or in the same serial sections of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples by means of the special technique of laser scanning microscopy. In TEM slides, numerous cavities with the same circular profile were detectable, and the length of these cavities is variable from 40-300 nm. The threads are oriented parallel and twisted around themselves to construct a double thread. In the interface between the two single threads, bridge-like structures are prominent. The single untreated thread consists of cylindrical fibers with a diameter of approximately 1-1.5 microm. Apparently more than eight fibers are within a thread and each fiber is composed of a great number of fibrils with a diameter of about 150 nm. The surface of threads is coated with a characteristic layer approximately 150-250 nm thick that contains glycoproteins. These were demonstrated for the first time by labeling with concanavalin A lectin-gold complex and are dependent on the diameter and length of the thread. The same substances could also be detected inside the single thread. The skin can be removed completely or partially by mechanical treatment, or by washing with phosphate-buffered saline or trypsin.

Localization of chromogranin, synaptophysin, serotonin, and CXCR2 in neuroendocrine cells of the minor vestibular glands: an immunohistochemical study.

Sections of vulvar tissue containing minor vestibular glands (15 sections from 14 women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome and six control sections from five asymptomatic women) were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against chromogranin, synaptophysin, serotonin, and CXCR2. The degree of inflammation in vestibular tissue from women with and without vulvar vestibulitis syndrome was not significantly different. All vulvar minor vestibular glands contained neuroendocrine cells that expressed chromogranin to some degree. Only one case failed to express synaptophysin. The number of cells expressing chromogranin and synaptophysin was the same regardless of the degree of inflammation. However, moderate to severe inflammation was associated with a statistically significant increase in the number of cells expressing serotonin (p < 0.001) and CXCR2 (p < 0.02). It is concluded that neuroendocrine cells are present within minor vestibular glands of the vulva. The number of cells expressing the inflammatory mediator serotonin and CXCR2, the shared interleukin-8 receptor, are upregulated with inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a normal finding in vestibular tissue and does not serve as a histologic marker for vulvar vestibulitis.