Changes in histological features and nerve growth factor content of the submandibular gland in the genetically obese...

Changes in the submandibular glands were studied cytologically in the genetically obese (ob/ob) mouse. In the ob/ob mice, the acini of the glands were mainly composed of mucous cells; in contrast to an abundance of serous cells in the lean controls. The convoluted tubular portions of the glands of the obese mice were composed of cells with reduced numbers of granules, as compared with the controls. The immunocytochemical reactivity to an antiserum against nerve growth factor (NGF) was mostly restricted to the convoluted tubular cells and tubular lumen in both male and female control mice. In the male and female obese mice, weak reactivity to NGF was found in the convoluted tubular cells, while none was observed in the tubular lumen. The reactivity to anti-NGF was lower in females than in males in both the obese and control mice. These changes may be related to the hypoactivity of the sympathetic nervous system in the obese mouse.