Expression and localization of osteopontin, homing cell adhesion molecule/CD44, and integrin αvβ3in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and acinic cell adenocarcinoma of salivary gland origin

Objective. Osteopontin (OPN) plays a role in tumor progression. This study aimed to determine the expression of OPN, CD44, and integrin alpha(v)beta(3) in pleomorphic adenoma (PA), acinic cell adenocarcinoma (ACA), and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). Study Design. Immunohistochemistry was used to semiquantify the levels of expression of OPN and its receptors in normal salivary glands (NSG) (n = 20), PA (n = 20), ACA (n = 11), and MEC (n = 29). Results. OPN expression was increased in ACA and MEC compared with PA and NSG (median sCores, 6, 6, 4, and 4, respectively). CD44 expression was increased in ACA and reduced in MEC and PA compared with NSG (median scores, 8, 4, 3, and 5, respectively). Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) median scores were 5 in ACA, 1 in MEC, and 0 in PA and NSG. Conclusions. OPN is expressed in salivary gland tumors and is at higher levels in ACA and MEC.