EFFECTS OF ACIDIC AND BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTORS ON CELL-PROLIFERATION IN PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMA OF THE PAROTID-GLAND

Localization and biochemical characteristics of acidic and basic fibro blast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF) were studied in the normal parotid gland (NPG) and in pleomorphic adenoma (PA). In addition, the effects of these factors on proliferation activity were investigated in cultu red PA cells. aFGF and bFGF were detected immunohistochemically in 62% and 58% of NPG and 44% and 58% of PA. respectively, and they were loc alized in the cytoplasm of the ductal segments of the NPG, and of the tubular, trabecular and squamous components of PA. Both aFGF and bFGF, each with a molecular weight of 18 kDa, were identified in PA using h eparin-sepharose chromatography and Western blot analysis. Both recomb inant human aFGF and bFGF stimulated [H-3]-thymidine incorporation by cultured PA cells. These results indicated that aFGF and bFGF, probabl y produced by neoplastic cells, play important roles in the proliferat ion of PA of the parotid gland.