OBJECTIVETo observe the expression of new myoepithelial cell markers calponin and P63 in human submandibular glands.

METHODSCalponin and P63 antigen in routinely processed human submandibular gland tissues were immunohistochemically demonstrated by monoclonal antibodies to calponin and P63.

RESULTSCalponin expressed around all acinus and intercalated ducts as linear or punctuate pattern. Positive staining was also noted in peripheral area of some thin striated ducts that connect to intercalated ducts. Subulate or trigonal calponin expression was sometimes seen between the duct dells of striated ducts. P63 expressed mainly in the nucleus of the basal cells of excretory duct.

CONCLUSIONCalponin is an ideal gland. P63 labels mainly the basal cells of excretory duct. marker for myoepithelial cells of human submandibular