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Localization of glycosaminoglycans and CD44 in the human lacrimal gland.

Recent analyses of tears indicate the presence of glycosaminoglycans as their components, but their origin remains unknown. To further understand the origin of these tear components, we investigated by immunohistochemical techniques the localization of glycosaminoglycans and CD44 human lacrimal glands obtained from 20 cadavers at autopsy. Monoclonal antibodies to CD44, a receptor for hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and keratan sulfate were applied to the tissue. Hyaluronic acid binding region was also used for the staining of hyaluronic acid. By light microscopy, immunoreactivity for CD44 was mostly detected on the baso-lateral membrane of acinar and ductal cells, and the vascular endothelium in the interstitium. Positive staining of hyaluronic acid was associated intensely with the basal membrane of acinar and ductal cells and weakly, faintly or not at all with their lateral membrane. Positive staining of hyaluronic acid and immunoreactivity for dermatan sulfate were detected in interstitial fibrous structures; particularly, the former was intense in the perivascular fibrous structures, and the latter along the periparenchimal fibrous structures. Immunoreactivity for chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate was seen in some acinar cells and the acinar and ductal lumen. By electron microscopy, immunogold particles indication chondroitin sulfate sulfate or keratan sulfate labeled secretory granules of the acinar cells. Considering the fact that CD44 is a receptor molecule for hyaluronic acid, the association of hyaluronic acid with the basal membrane and weakly or faintly with the lateral membrane of acinar and ductal cells may be attributed to the expression of CD44 on the baso-lateral membrane of the cells. Moreover, the presence of immunoreactivity for chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate in secretory granules of acinar cells and their lumens suggests that tears from the lacrimal gland contain these glycosaminoglycans.