Ultrastructure of the submandibular gland in 2 species of macaques

The ultrastructure of the submandibular glands was studied in 2 species of macaques (Macaca mulatta and Macaca irus). The glands, which were identical in both species, were predominantly serous, but contained scattered mucous acini. The serous cells contained 1 of 2 morphologically distinct secretory granules of complex substructure, whereas mucous droplets were relatively simple in structure. Other parts of the macaque glands were similar to their counterparts in other primates. The close resemblance of the serous granules to each other in the 2 species studied and to 3 other macaque species previously described by others suggests that these monkeys are taxonomically closely related.