Premium
AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF SECRETAGOGUE‐INDUCED SECRETION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR IN THE SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLANDS OF MICE
Author(s) -
Steidler NE,
Reade PC
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
australian journal of experimental biology and medical science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0004-945X
DOI - 10.1038/icb.1980.24
Subject(s) - submandibular gland , endocrinology , epidermal growth factor , medicine , saliva , degranulation , secretion , salivary gland , secretagogue , phentolamine , biology , pilocarpine , chemistry , propranolol , receptor , neuroscience , epilepsy
Summary Routine histological and indirect immunofluorescence techniques were used to examine the histological details of changes in the distribution of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the submandibular salivary glands of mice during secretion. Comparisons were made between glands of normal mice and those of mice given one of a number of secretagogues at various times prior to sampling. Normal submandibular salivary glands in male mice had an extensive system of convoluted granular tubules (CGT), the cells of which contained EGF. When adrenaline or α‐phenylephrine was administered, the CGT cells degranulated, and there was a concomitant loss of intracellular EGF‐positive immunofluorescence. The excretory ducts were engorged with immunofluorescent material, indicating secretion of EGF into saliva, while the ductal cells themselves remained EGF‐negative. The degranulation response could be blocked by phentolamine, but not by propranolol, and no changes in EGF distribution followed the administration of pilocarpine. It was concluded that EGF is secreted, at least partly into the saliva, following an α‐adrenergic response, and that this occurs with degranulation of the cells of the CGT.