Immunohistochemical distribution of s-100 protein and cytoskeletal proteins (?-actin, desmin and vimentin) in bovine tongueand soft palate

Distribution and localization of S-100 protein and cytoskeletal proteins, ?-actin, desmin and vimentin, in the bovine tongue and soft palate were investigated using immunohistochemistry. S-100 protein was expressed in the taste buds and connective tissue core of circumvallate papillae, moderate immunoreactivity were occur in subepithelial connective tissue cells of the tongue and soft palate. The serous secreting cells and ducts cells in the lingual salivary gland, as well as serous demilunes of mixed palatine salivary glands were strongly immunopositive for S-100 protein. Mucous cells the palatine salivary glands were constantly negative for all tested proteins. Positive staining for ?–actin and desmin were observed in the myoepithelial cells, smooth muscle fibers of blood vessels in addition to intrinsic skeletal muscles of tongue and soft palate. Desmin was expressed in stratum granulosum of keratinized epithelium and supranuclear region of lingual salivary glands. Vimentin was always present in connective tissue cells and nerve bundles in both tongue and soft palate. These results revealed a tissue specific distribution of the tested proteins in bovine tongue and soft palate; that highlight for the use of these proteins as markers for many morphological and pathological aspects