Trefoil factor family 3 expression in the oral cavity

This study examined the expression, in oral keratinocytes and in the major and minor salivary glands, of Trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3) peptide. Trefoil factor family 3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and peptide were detected in cultures of normal oral keratinocytes by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Trefoil factor family 3 was found, by immunohistochemical analyses, to be expressed in the basal layers of the oral mucosal epithelium. In salivary glands, immunohistochemical staining showed that TFF3 peptide expression was strongest in the mucous acini of the submandibular and the small salivary glands. Serous cells in the same glands showed weak staining. In the parotid gland, many serous acini showed weak positive staining, while other areas did not. In all glands examined, the intercalated, striated, and collecting ducts were moderately TFF3‐positive. Double immunostaining confirmed that mucous (MUC5B positive) cells were moderately or strongly positive for TFF3 and that some serous (MUC7 positive) cells showed restricted TFF3 expression, mostly in a granular pattern. The prevalence of the TFF3 peptide in the salivary secretions of healthy volunteers was detected by western blotting of saliva from minor salivary glands (four of five) and the parotid gland (one of five) and of mixed submandibular/sublingual saliva (five of five). In conclusion, the submandibular and small salivary glands appear to be the major producers of oral TFF3, but duct cells of all glands and keratinocytes of the oral mucosa may also contribute as sources of TFF3 in the oral cavity.