Structural and Immunohistochemical Exploration of the Juxtaoral Organ of Chievitz
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.5s.540-552Keywords:
Neuroepithelial Juxtaoral Organ, Immunohistochemistry, Cytokeratins, Oral Pathology, Neural Differentiation, Clinical DiagnosisAbstract
Background: The juxtaoral organ of Chievitz (JOOC), also known as the buccotemporal organ, is an enigmatic bilateral structure located in the bucca of mammals. The morphological features of the JOOC were examined and described immunohistochemically, including its various neuroepithelial and stromal elements.
Methods: Five samples of JOOC obtained from elderly individuals were analysed, and all of them are well-preserved. To identify the types of epithelia in the JOOC and inform the markers that could correctly identify them, 36 antibodies were used on 36 samples of the JOOC to characterise the epithelial and neural elements. Chromic study and light microscopical investigations were made on the structural organisation.
Results: The JOOC presented a distinctive structure, characterised by neuroepithelial parenchyma surrounded by connective tissue and enclosed within a fibrous capsule. Strong immunohistochemical expression of high molecular weight cytokeratins, CD56, and PGP9.5 was demonstrated, indicating neural differentiation.
Conclusion: The JOOC is a benign neuroepithelial organ with specific immunohistochemical and histomorphological features. Given its limited tissue of origin and similar invasive patterns to other malignancies, accurately identifying its structure and markers is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis in clinical settings, particularly in distinguishing it from perineural invasion in carcinomas..
