THE PROLIFERATIVE CAPACITY OF THE KERATINIZING ANNULAR EPITHELIUM

Using monoclonal antibodies specific for CK chains and the indirect im munoperoxidase technique, the expression of 10 CK polypeptides was inv estigated. The external stratified squamous epithelium of the tympanic membrane generally expressed CKs 5, 10 and 14. In addition, basal ker atinocytes in the annular region, both tympanic and deep meatal, expre ssed CK19 (a simple epithelium marker). Suprabasally the hyperprolifer ative marker CK16 (known to have a limited distribution in healthy epi dermis) was expressed in the same area. These data reflect the unusual ly proliferative nature of this transitional area.