ABSTRACT
Lysozyme is a low molecular weight enzyme that participates in a nonspecific defense mechanism through dissolution of the N-acetyl glucosaminyl-N-acetylmuramic acid linkage in bacterial cell walls. Lysozyme with the synonym “muramidase” is widely used. An immunohistochemical method for the specific detection of human lysozyme has been employed. Purified lysozyme from human specimens was used to immunize rabbits, and polyclonal antihuman lysozyme antiserum was obtained. Lysozyme was detected in the intercalated duct cells of the submandibular and parotid glands. Other glandular cells in these salivary glands were devoid of lysozyme staining. S. Reitamo et al. provided a detailed immunohistochemical distribution of lysozymes in minor glands of mucosal mucosa. The biochemical activity of lysozyme was found only in labial secretions. In chronic obstructive adenitis, lysozyme activity was evident in ductal epithelium, secretory materials, and histiocytes. The histochemical distribution of lysozyme in salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas and obstructive lesions was comparable to that of lactoferrin.
