Histochemistry of Complex Carbohydrate in the Major Salivary Glands of Hoary Bamboo Rats (Rhizomys purinosus)

The major salivary glands (parotid glands, monostomatic sublingual glands and submandibular glands) were obtained from hoary bamboo rats (Rhizomys purinosus) and fixed in Bouin's solution. Paraffin sections were subjected to a battery of staining methods including lectin staining for demonstration of complex carbohydrates. Among the three major salivary glands, unique histochemical features were observed in the submandibular gland. Different from most myomorpha species, submandibular glands of the hoary bamboo rats have two types of secretory cells in the secretory endpieces. One type of cells showed positive reactions with Alcian blue (AB)(pH2.5), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and some lectins (peanuts agglutinin, Griffonia simplicifolia I. Machura pomifera agglutinin). The granular ducts, which exist in animals belonging to suborder myomorpha, were not observed in the submandibular glands of this animal.     

Microscopic anatomy of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) a histochemical,stereological, and scanning electron microscope study

The present work was designed to investigate the microscopic structure of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) using histochemical staining, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and stereological procedures. Four adult males were included in our study. Serial sections of the entire length of the oesophagus were stained with aldehyde fuchsin, alcian blue (pH 2.5), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome. Then, the total volume of the oesophagus, and the total volume of its different layers, were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The oesophageal epithelium was a non-keratinized stratified squamous type. Muscularis mucosa was present as a thick layer between lamina propria and submucosa and its thickness was increased toward the stomach. Tunica submucosa was a loose connective tissue containing an oesophageal gland with PAS-positive and AB-positive reactions throughout the submucosa and become denser toward the stomach. The tunica muscularis consisted of two distinct striated muscle layers, and its thickness was decreased toward the stomach. On SEM images, the cervical and thoracic oesophagus showed shallow folding, while the abdominal part had deeper folds. The present findings indicate that the histological properties of the oesophagus in southern white-breasted hedgehogs have slight similarities with rodents and considering its epithelium, submucosal glands and tunica muscularis more resemble with dog oesophagus. The obtained results may be quite helpful to improve the current knowledge of the histophysiology of the hedgehog gastrointestinal tract as a member of eulipotyplan mammals and as a pet for biologists and veterinarians.     

Cytoarchitectural differences of myoepithelial cells among goat major salivary glands

Previously, the distribution of myoepithelial cells (mecs) in the salivary glands was studied by both immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy; however, little was elucidated concerning their morphological features, especially in goats. This study was performed to investigate the correlation between the cytoarchitecture of the mecs in goat major salivary glands (parotid, mandibular, and sublingual glands) and the nature of the saliva secretion. The cytoarchitectural features of the mecs were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as immunohistochemically. The secretory endpieces in the parotid gland are of the pure serous type, but in both the mandibular and sublingual glands they are of the mixed type. In all studied glands, the intercalated ducts were covered by mecs which, unlike the large stellate cells that surrounded the secretory endpieces, were spindle-shaped with few cytoplasmic processes. Interestingly, the mecs were found to bulge on the basal surfaces of the serous acini and intercalated ducts in all glands and to be in close contact to the seromucous tubules surface in the mandibular and sublingual glands forming a continuous network around it. In conclusion, the differences in the degree of development of the mecs as well as the number of their cytoplasmic processes may be correlated with the nature of the secretion and the number of the secretory granules. Thus these observations may have some relevance in the diagnosis of atrophy and pathogenic conditions of these glands.     

Immunohistochemistry of the bovine secretory carbonic anhydrase isozyme (CA-VI) in bovine alimentary canal and major salivary glands

In the present study, we firstly demonstrated immunohistochemical expressions of secretory carbonic anhydrase (CA-VI) isozyme in bovine forestomach, large intestine and major salivary glands. CA-VI was detected in basal layer epithelial cells of esophageal and forestomach stratified epithelium, in mucous cells of upper glandular region of large intestine, in serous acinar cells of the parotid gland, in serous demilune cells and some ductal liner cells of mandibular, monostomatic sublingual and esophageal glands. These immunohistolocalizations suggested that bovine CA-VI plays various roles in pH regulation, maintenance of ion and fluid balance, and cell proliferation.     

Lectin histochemistry of dog major and minor salivary glands

The distribution of different carbohydrates in dog major and minor salivary glands was investigated using a peroxidase-labelled avidin-biotin method to demonstrate binding of six lectins (Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin [Con A], Dolichos biflorus agglutinin [DBA], Arachis hypogaea (peanut) agglutinin [PNA], Glycine max agglutinin [SBA], Tetragonolobus purpurea agglutinin [TGP] and wheat germ agglutinin [WGA]). With PNA, there was only weak staining in serous acini of parotid glands. Other lectins bound, to different degrees, to different components of the salivary glands; differences could be detected between glands and between binding of different lectins to serous and mucous acinar cells and to the epithelial cell cytoplasm, luminal surface and contents of ducts. These results provide a basis for the comparison of possible changes in carbohydrates which may occur in salivary gland diseases.     

Histochemistry of sialoglycoconjugates in goat submandibular glands

The functional properties of sialic acids appear to be manifold. Therefore, they are considered as essential components of saliva. In this study, the localization of sialoglycoconjugates in the submandibular glands of Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat was examined by light and electron microscopic histochemical methods. The submandibular glands exhibited a large amount of sialic acids. Additionally, sialic acids with O-acetyl substitutions were detectable in the mucous acinar cells and serous demilunar cells. According to lectin histochemical methods, the mucous and serous cells mainly contained the Siaα2-6Gal/GalNAc sequence. These sialoglycoconjugates generated by the submandibular glands may specifically participate in the maintenance of the viscoelastic properties of saliva, protection of oral tissues and prevention of pathogenic microbial attacks. Therefore, our results suggest that they are essential components of saliva to maintain oral health.     

Zur pränatalen Entwicklung der Glandula mandibularis und Glandula parotis der Katze

The prenatal development of the cat's mandibular and parotid gland was examined by means of serial section of 36 cat embryos at 14–62 days of development. Both glands were excised from the epithelium of the primitive oral cavity and branched up to day 36 of the branching phase into a specific connective tissue. This tissue contained besides fine collagenous fibres, a high amount of proteoglycans. In the subsequent separation phase, ducts and acini differentiated themselves in primitive lobules which were separated by connective tissue. In the prenatal differentiation phase, from about day 50 up to birth, intercalated ducts and striated ducts were formed. In the acini, mucous and serous cells contained different amounts of complex carbohydrates. This secretory component changed shortly before birth.     

Immunohistochemistry of carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CA-I, II and III) in canine salivary glands: a distributional and comparative assessment

The immunohistolocalization of carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CA-I, II, III) in canine salivary glands was studied using antiserum against CA-I, II, III. In parotid glands, immunostaining intensely localized cytosolic CA-II antiserum throughout the cytoplasm of acinar secretory cells and ductal epithelial cells, especially in the striated duct region. CA-III reactivity in the glands was only seen selectively at the intercalated ductal cells. In contrast, no immunoreaction localized CA-I in the gland. In the submandibular and sublingual glands, CA-I, II, and III were all observed in the ductal segments of the glands, whereas serous demilune appeared devoid of all three cytosolic CA isozymes. In contrast, in zygomatic glands (i.e. dorsal buccal glands) all CA isozymes were observed in both serous demilune and ductal segments. In all of the salivary glands examined, no mucous acinar cells were found to be reactive for any CA.     

Histology and Mucosubstance Histochemistry of the Parotid Gland in Suckling, Prepuberal and Puberal Zebus (Bos indicus)

Histologic and morphometric alterations in the parotid salivary gland of 14 male Gyr Zebu were carried out coupled with a histochemical study of the mucosubstance of this gland. Animals ranging in age from 1–2 months to 17–21 months were utilized. The gland was found to represent a compound tubular gland which is entirely serous in older animals, but with mucous endpieces in younger animals. The morphologic and morphometric data indicate that this gland reaches anatomic maturity at about 13 months of age, an age which correlates with the onset of spermatogenesis in this species. The histochemical nature of secretions is discussed for various components of the gland.     

Investigations on the conjunctival goblet cells and on the characteristics of glands associated with the eye in the guinea pig

Objective To investigate the distribution and density of conjunctival goblet cells (GC) and to study the anatomy and microscopic characteristics of glands associated with the eye in the guinea pig. Procedures Twenty‐five guinea pigs were used. Meibomian gland openings were counted using biomicroscopy. Conjunctiva, eyelids and glands were embedded in glycol methacrylate and paraffin. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff’s reaction (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB). Results Highest GC densities were found in the bulbar and palpebral region of the nasal conjunctiva (GC index: 13.7–16.4%). Lowest GC densities (GC index: 0.0–1.0%) were found in 3/4 limbal regions (nasal and temporal upper eyelid, temporal lower eyelid). Guinea pigs have 27.1 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD) meibomian gland openings in the upper lid and 25.7 ± 2.3 in the lower lid. Difference between upper and lower lid was significant (P = 0.037). Two subconjunctival sebaceous glands occur temporal to each eye. The Harderian gland is very large. In the lacrimal gland three different cell types were distinguished both according to the cell structure and histochemical staining. Conclusions Goblet cell densities are lower in guinea pigs than in dogs and horses. Positive staining with PAS and AB could be an indication that mucins are produced in the lacrimal gland. If so, they may contribute to the mucin layer of the tear film. Both the extraordinarily large Harderian gland and the subconjunctival sebaceous glands produce lipids and may contribute to the lipid layer of the tear film.     

长爪沙鼠颌下腺免疫球蛋白A的定位分布

采用免疫组织化学方法对不同日龄的长爪沙鼠颌下腺IgA的定位分布进行了研究。结果表明，长爪沙鼠的颌下腺由导管部和分泌部构成，分泌部主要由浆液腺构成，导管部包括闰管、纹管、颗粒曲管和小叶间导管等。DAB显色结果表明，IgA阳性细胞主要分布于浆液性腺泡、闰管、纹管、颗粒曲管和小叶间导管，并可分布于腺泡和腺管间结缔组织，IgA阳性产物的分布具有不均一性，无明显随年龄变化的规律性。阳性产物分布于胞质中，胞核呈阴性，对照组阴性。提示从浆细胞产生或循环而来的IgA先经结缔组织进入颌下腺组织，进而定位分布于浆液腺泡和各级导管，导管部有较多的IgA分布。     

Histological and histochemical characterization of the mucosa of the digestive tract in flower fish (Pseudophoxinus antalyae)

The wall of the digestive tract is composed of the tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. Lamina-submucosa separation or any glands were not observed in tunica mucosa. Goblet cells were determined to constitute a much larger reserve at digestive tract mucosa. Histochemical analysis of the intestine of flower fish (Pseudophoxinus antalyae) showed that gastrointestinal mucous content included sulphate-esters and/or carboxylic [Alcian blue (AB) 0.06+], glycogene and/or oxidable dioles [periodic acid/Schiff+ (PAS+)], neutral or acid-rich (PAS/AB pH 2.5+), sialic acid residues (KOH/PAS) and strong acid sulphated [Aldehyde fuchsin+ (AF+)] glycoproteins (GPs). Except these mucosubstances to lower densities, densely sulphate (AB pH 2.5+), O-sulphate esters (AB pH 1+) strong and weak sulphated (AB 0.3 M+), GPs were also determined.     

Complex carbohydrate histochemistry and ultracytochemistry of the sheep lacrimal gland

The chemical content of the secretion of the sheep lacrimal gland was analysed at the light and electron microscope levels by applying histochemical techniques and an ultrastructural histochemical method (periodic acid, thiocarbohydrazide and silver proteinate). Mucosubstance histochemistry demonstrated acidic glycoconjugates, mainly sulphated, in the mucous and seromucous glandular cells and in the apical portion of the cells lining the terminal ducts. Moreover, secretory granules, stained with PA-TCH-SP, showed a different localization of the reaction product. The presence of lysozyme was also found in the glandular serous cells. These histochemical studies demonstrate that the secretion of sheep lacrimal glands is mixed, having serous, mucous and seromucous components, and that an excellent correlation exists between the secretory granule substructure and glycoprotein localization.     

Lectin Histochemistry of Glycoconjugates in Horse Salivary Glands

The glycoconjugate content of major horse salivary glands was investigated by means of horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins. Qualitative differences were observed in the terminal sugar residues of secretory glycoproteins and glycoconjugates linked to the apical surface of excretory duct epithelial cells. Mucous acinar cells in mandibular and sublingual glands contained oligosaccharides with D-galactose, α- and β-N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose residues, whereas mandibular, sublingual and parotid serous cells contained only oligosaccharides with terminal α- and β-N-acetylgalactosamine residues. The apical portion of striated and interlobular duct lining cells of mandibular and sublingual glands stained for α- and β-N-acetylgalactosamine and for N-acetylglucosamine. In parotid gland the cytoplasm of intercalated duct cells and the apical surface of striated duct epithelial cells stained for α-N-acetylgalactosamine.     

Histochemistry of complex carbohydrates in the horse duodenal gland

Complex carbohydrates were examined in glandular cells of the horse duodenal gland by using lectin histochemical techniques. In the horse, the duodenal gland was distributed in the area from the uppermost part of the small intestine to a point about 6m caudal to the pylorus. It consisted of two types of cells, mucous and serous cells. The former was found in glands distributed almost all over this part, but the latter was present in glands distributed restrictedly to the uppermost part of the small intestine at a point about 10 cm caudal to the pylorus. The cytoplasm of the mucous cell contained neutral glycoproteins with different saccharide residues as alpha-D-mannose, N-acetyl-beta (1----4)-D-glucosamine, galactose, alpha-galactose, alpha-N-acetylglucosamine, beta-D-Gal (1----3)-D-GalNAc, alpha-L-fucose and sialic acid. On the other hand, the serous cell contained neutral and acid glycoproteins with different residues such as alpha-D-mannose, alpha-D-glucose, beta-D-galactose(1----3)-D-N-acetylgalactose, alpha-L-fucose, N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine, N-acetyl-beta (1----4)-D-glucosamine, galactose, alpha-galactose, alpha-N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid. It is also elucidated in the present study that lipase, an enzyme for digestion, is contained in the serous cell of the equine duodenal gland.     

Ultrastructural study of sheep lacrimal glands.

Sheep lacrimal glands are mixed glands, consisting of tubulo-acinar units succeeded by ducts of simple morphology. The secretory portions consist of three cell types: mucous, seromucous and serous, which may be intermingled in the same acinus or may form acini wholly made of only serous or mucous cells. Mucous cells show a rough endoplasmic reticulum that is reduced to a few cisternae located near the cell base and among the interstices of the secretory droplets. Mucous granules appear uniformly electron-lucent. Serous cells display a typical structure; serous granules can be uniformly electron-dense or composed of dense inclusions dispersed in an electron-lucent matrix. The seromucous granules have a bizonal substructure: a dense core is embedded in a highter matrix. Secretory acini are succeeded by intercalated ducts; the epithelium of these ducts gradually increases in height to form a kind of excretory duct, without the intervention of striated ducts.     

Sialography of sheep parotid and mandibular salivary glands

The anatomy of ovine salivary glands was studied on cadaver heads. The mandibular duct enters the oral cavity on the ventral surface of sublingual caruncles, which are located medial to the orifice of the ventral sublingual gland duct. The parotid gland duct enters the oral cavity on the cheek opposite the upper 2nd molar. Prior to applying sialography to live animals, the procedure was carried out on cadaver heads then the live animals were sedated, the mandibular and parotid ducts catheterized and contrast medium was injected into each gland. Lateral radiographs were made immediately after the injection. The normal sheep mandibular and parotid salivary glands have a multilobular appearance in cadaver heads, but in live animal only the ducts and their smaller branches could be identified. The mean diameter of mandibular and parotid duct were 1.4+/-0.3 mm and 3. 1+/-1.0 mm respectively. The monostomatic sublingular gland had a slender shape in the sialogram. In conclusion sialography of mandibular, parotid and sublingual salivary glands in sheep is practical and can be helpful in diagnosis of pathological conditions of these glands.     

MR anatomy of salivary glands in the dog

This retrospective analysis documented the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of normal salivary glands based on 101 studies in dogs with no detectable disease in the splanchnocranium. Surface, signal intensity, homogeneity, structure, symmetry and the relationship of glands to surrounding tissues were noted, and gland topography was assessed with E12 plastinated embedded sections. Signal intensity of salivary glands was isointense (7-40%) to hyperintense (60-90%) to muscle tissue on T1- and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Salivary glands had an increased T1 signal after contrast medium was applied. Salivary gland structure appeared homogeneous in mandibular and major sublingual glands and heterogeneous in zygomatic and parotid glands. Consistent landmarks were the external auditory canal for parotid glands, the digastric muscle for mandibular and major sublingual glands, and the pterygopalatine fossa for zygomatic glands. The minor sublingual and ventral buccal glands could not be localized with low-field MRI.     

Renin in Exocrine Glands of Different Mouse Strains

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) controls the regulation of blood pressure and water-mineral balance. Recently, renin has been reported to be synthesized and secreted outside the kidney. The present study investigated immunohistochemically the distribution of renin in exocrine glands, i.e. salivary glands and coagulating glands, in male mice of 13 strains. In some strains, renin was detected in the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands, but not in the parotid glands. It was restricted to the striated or granular portions of excretory ducts. In coagulating glands, variable staining patterns were found. These results demonstrate the existence of variations in renin content in mouse strains and offered a selection of mouse strains for investigation of exocrine gland renin.