ISSN:
1432-2307
Keywords:
Key words Salivary gland neoplasms
;
Myoepithelial cell
;
Extracellular matrix
;
Matrigel
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract In a cell line from human pleomorphic adenoma (AP2 cells) we studied the response of these cells to basement membrane proteins. The culture was characterized as myoepithelial-like by transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. AP2 cells were grown in contact with a reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel). Cells grown on Matrigel showed conspicuous phenotypic alterations, depending on how the substrate was applied. Cells grown on the top of Matrigel developed a dendritic phenotype, exhibiting thin, long and intercommunicating cytoplasmic extensions resembling normal myoepithelial cells. Cells grown inside Matrigel formed multi-layered clusters. Light, confocal and transmission electron microscopy showed that these clusters were formed by double-layered epithelioid cells delimiting luminal spaces. The cells facing the lumen were cuboidal, showing microvilli at the apical plasmalemmal and junctional complexes. The spatial arrangement of basement membrane is a key modulator of morphogenetic changes and cytodifferentiation of tumour myoepithelial cell lineage in culture.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004280050057
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