Proteins in fluid from non‐keratinizing jaw cysts

Abstract

Abstract. Fluid from 41 non‐keratinizing jaw cysts was examined by cellulose acetate membrane (CAM) electrophoresis. Improved separation with more regular protein profiles was obtained after digestion with bovine testicular hyaluronidase of two cyst contents exhibiting pronounced viscosity. CAM electrophoretograms of cyst fluid and serum contained the same protein fractions, with the exception of the β 2 globulin band which was clearly demonstrated in only one cyst fluid, that from a median palatine cyst. Quantitation by scanning of the CAM eleclrophorelograms yielded contents of albumin, α 1 ‐, and α 2 ‐globulins which usually were proportionately lower in cyst fluid than in autologous serum while the β 1 ‐globulin fraction was roughly similar. Relative concentrations of γ‐globulins were significantly higher in cyst fluid than in autologous scrum, rising to as much as 56% of the total cyst fluid protein content. The γ‐globulin band of cyst fluid generally was broad‐based (“polyclonal” pattern). Within these broad γ‐zones discrete, narrow, but well demarcated bands were occasionally seen (“oligoclonal” pattern). One cyst fluid exhibited a narrow‐based γ‐globulin band (“monoclonal” pattern). The electrophoretic patterns as well as other observations provide indirect evidence for the view that the bulk of the cyst fluid proteins are derived from the plasma and indicate that the γ‐globulin fraction is a mixture of extravasated arid locally produced immunoglobulins.