Cell culture and characterization of human minor salivary gland duct cells.

In order to facilitate studies on human salivary glands, a method was developed for the culture of minor salivary gland duct cells from tissues obtained from oral surgery protocols. Minor salivary glands were isolated from such tissues, and a serum-free growth medium was developed which supported the growth of the ductal component of these glands. The ductal origin of these cells was confirmed through immunohistochemical localization of replicating nuclei through incorporation of BrdU. The presence of epidermal keratin in replicating cells and the absence of smooth muscle myosin further substantiated the ductal origin of cells. Using normal growth medium calcium concentrations (1.05 mM), these cells produced a keratinized multilayer of cells unable to undergo routine subculture procedures. A reduction in calcium ion concentration to 0.1 mM resulted in a cell monolayer, without evidence of terminal keratinization, which could undergo at least eight serial passages (1:3 ratio) under cell culture conditions. It is advanced that these minor salivary gland duct cell cultures will be of use to those studying diseases and disorders of the salivary glands.

Eccrine spiradenoma: report of a case.

A case of eccrine spiradenoma of the lip is presented. This benign lesion of the eccrine sweat glands must be considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary or multiple soft tissue lesions of the head and neck. Final diagnosis is dependent on histologic examination. Carcinomatous transformation has been reported in eight cases, especially in those tumors of long duration.

Autopolymerizing Silastic for interpositional arthroplasty.

A technique describing the application of an autopolymerizing silastic material for the fabrication of a customized interpositional alloplastic implant for TMJ gap arthroplasty has been presented. The implant is easily stabilized, shows no adverse tissue reaction, and remains undisplaced under function. The implant is quickly constructed and accurately adapted to the bony architecture of the temporal bone and condylar segments.

Histologic fate of dermal grafts following implantation for temporomandibular joint meniscal perforation: a preliminary study.

A study was carried out to evaluate the histologic changes of meniscus perforation repair associated with dermal grafts to the temporomandibular joint of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) following surgical perforation of the meniscus. Dermal grafts were studied histologically at 3-week, 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month intervals. Results showed early attachment of the dermal graft to the meniscus, followed by gradual incorporation of the graft into the meniscus and subsequent return of the meniscal-graft complex to a normal meniscal architecture.