ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effect of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) on expressions of K8 and K18 in duct epithelial cells of salivary gland. Methods The expressions of immediate early antigen of HCMV, K8 and K18 were detected by immunohistochemistry staining in tissues embedded in paraffin of parotid cytomegalic inclusion disease(PCID). Results Cytomegly bearing inclusion appeared in duct epithelium of PCID. DDG9/CCH2 antigen of HCMV was expressed in cytomegly bearing inclusion. K8 was negative in these cytomegly while K18 was intensively positive. Conclusion It is suggested that breaking down of K8 be induced in parotid duct epithelial cells infected by HCMV and that up-regulation of K18 may be a reactive change. Keratin network in simple epithelium functions to impart mechanical integrity to cells.