Hormone-induced granular convoluted tubule-like cells in mouse parotid gland

Abstract

: Most striated duct (SD) cells in the adult mouse parotid gland (PAG) have a few small secretory granules. These granules, however, are usually too small and sparse to be detected using light microscopy. Our serial studies have suggested that these PAG SD cells belong to a group of hormone-responsive granular duct cells, similar to the granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cells found in the submandibular gland. These studies also indicate that and some PAG SD cells may be capable of developing a granular cell phenotype under supraphysiological conditions of androgenic and thyroid hormones, leading to more abundant, and more kinds of GCT-specific secretory polypeptides. Here, the cytology of hormone-modulated SD cells, the immunocytochemistry of their secretory products, and their secretory responses to some autonomic agents are reviewed. Finally, the close similarity of the duct systems of the three major salivary glands in mice is critically emphasized. J. Med. Invest. 56 Suppl. : 290-295, December, 2009

Exosomal secretion of death bullets: a new way of apoptotic escape?

“…Similar to human serous acinar cells, these cells synthesize and excrete neutral mucopolysaccharides and a variety of biologically active polypeptides, including amylase (5,20). In this regard, reduced amylase and PAS staining (Figs.…”

“…The serous salivary epithelial cells, known as granular convoluted tubules, are androgen-regulated dimorphic structures characteristic for rodents, being large in the adult male and small and fewer in the adult female (9,20). Similar to human serous acinar cells, these cells synthesize and excrete neutral mucopolysaccharides and a variety of biologically active polypeptides, including amylase (5,20).…”

A Comparison of the Effects of Estrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the Lacrimal Gland and Submandibular Gland in Ovariectomized Rats

“…The granular convoluted tubules are the serous salivary epithelial cells for rodents, similar to human serous acinar cells. These cells synthesize and excrete neutral mucopolysaccharides and a variety of biologically active polypeptides, including amylase [ 22 , 23 ]. In the SHAM group, the cell plasma was filled with a high density of secretory granules, and the nucleus was located on the basolateral side of the cell with normal chromatin morphology, and mitochondria were intact ( Fig.…”

Reversible Conversion among Subtypes of Salivary Gland Duct Cells as Identified by Production of a Variety of Bioactive Polypeptides

“…However, the secretory response of the GCT-like cells of the SLG could not be detected histologically, even at 1 hour after methoxamine administration. This result was quite interesting given that secretion by the SMG, parotid gland, and SLG is regulated by innervation of the same sympathetic nerve from the thoracic spinal cord ( via superior cervical ganglion), and that the granular components of the granular duct cells of both glands are also almost the same [28].…”