Immunohistochemical and Immunocytochemical Localization of Amylase in Rat Parotid Glands and von Ebner's Glands by Ion Etching-Immunoscanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The distribution of amylase in rat parotid glands and von Ebner’s glands was examined using ion etching-immunoscanning electron microscopy, which enables both light and electron microscopic observations of identical semi-thin resin sections immunolabeled with anti-α-amylase and immunogold in association with silver enhancement. At the light microscopic level, most acinar secretory granules (SG) and striated duct secretions of parotid glands were strongly stained dark brown. In von Ebner’s glands, acinar SG and duct secretions were weakly to strongly stained light to dark brown. At the electron microscopic level, labeling was observed as bright gold-silver particles. The labeling intensity of acinar SG of parotid glands was higher than that of von Ebner’s glands. In parotid glands, weak labeling of SG in transitional cells between acini and intercalated ducts, very weak labeling of SG in intercalated ducts, and strong labeling of striated duct secretions were observed. In von Ebner’s glands, the secretions and some SG of interlobular ducts were strongly labeled compared to those of intralobular ducts and SG of acini. Less amylase was synthesized in von Ebner’s acini compared to parotid acini, whereas von Ebner’s ducts may secrete significantly more amylase to modify saliva than parotid ducts.

Function of the Membrane Water Channel Aquaporin-5 in the Salivary Gland

“…Saliva secretion is regulated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve effects [ 40 ]. Hence, some short-term regulatory mechanisms for AQP5 and/or paracellular permeability have been predicted to be involved in the regulation of saliva secretion.…”

Occurrence of gustducin-immunoreactive cells in von Ebner’s glands of guinea pigs

“…This study has demonstrated the existence of gustducin-immunoreactive cells as a constituent of the end portion of von Ebner’s glands in guinea pigs. Light and electron microscopic investigations have been performed in these glands for several mammalian species, except for the guinea pig (Hand 1970 ; Takeda 1976 ; Toyoshima and Tandler 1986 ; Azzali et al 1989 ; Gargiulo et al 1995 ; Cheng et al 2009 ; Isola et al 2010 ; Yahiro et al 2011 ). However, such non-granulated cells have not been described in the literature.…”

The effect of liquid diet on the parotid gland and the protective role of L-carnitine: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

“…Parotid amylase plays a significant role in digesting polysaccharides. It is supposed to suppress adhesion to the vestibule surface and teeth [41]. Saliva is also rich in fluids and ions important for oral health.…”