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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Cannulation of the Mouse Submandibular Salivary Gland via the Wharton's Duct
Published on: May 14, 2011
Aquaporin 11 in the developing mouse submandibular gland.
Helga S Larsen1, Ann-Kristin Ruus, Olav Schreurs
1Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|February 17, 2010
Summary
Aquaporin-11 (AQP11) was newly discovered in developing mouse salivary glands. This water channel protein is present in duct structures throughout development, suggesting a key role in salivary gland formation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins facilitating water transport.
- While several AQPs are known in mammalian salivary glands, AQP11 has not been previously described in these tissues.
- AQP11 is recognized for its role in kidney development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of Aquaporin-11 (AQP11) during salivary gland development (organogenesis).
- To determine the expression patterns of AQP11 in the submandibular salivary gland (SMG) during prenatal and postnatal stages.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect AQP11 transcript expression.
- Employed in situ hybridization to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of AQP11 during SMG development in CD1 mice.
Main Results:
- The AQP11 transcript was first detected at embryonic day 13.5 in the developing SMG.
- AQP11 showed a relatively consistent expression throughout prenatal and early postnatal development.
- Spatial analysis revealed AQP11 transcript presence in developing and mature duct structures, with reduced expression in end pieces during gland development.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a significant role for AQP11 in the developmental processes of salivary glands.
- AQP11's expression pattern suggests involvement in ductal development and function within the SMG.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Aquaporins
Aquaporins or AQPs are a family of integral membrane proteins whose primary function is to transport water, while some called aquaglyceroporins also transport glycerol. In addition, aquaporins have also been suspected to be involved in transporting volatile substances, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia, across membranes. Such AQPs that act as gas channels are often highly expressed in cells involved in the gaseous exchange, such as red blood cells, epithelial cells, and pulmonary capillaries.
01:26Reabsorption and Secretion in the DCT and Collecting Duct
The early phase of the DCT manages the reabsorption of approximately 10-15% of filtered water, 5–10% of filtered sodium, and 5–10% of filtered chloride. This process is facilitated by Na+–Cl− symporters in apical membranes and sodium-potassium pumps, as well as Cl− leakage channels in basolateral membranes. The early DCT also stands out as a site where parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates calcium reabsorption, depending on the body's requirements.
The distal part of the DCT, along with the...
The distal part of the DCT, along with the...