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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Preparation of Murine Submandibular Salivary Gland for Upright Intravital Microscopy
Published on: May 7, 2018
Ultrastructure of chronically inflamed human submandibular glands
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Chronic inflammation in salivary glands, even without autoimmune disease, shows structural changes like reduced acinar cells and increased inflammatory cells. These changes can result from intermittent obstruction or infection, not just autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Salivary gland pathology
- Electron microscopy
- Inflammatory diseases
Background:
- Investigated submandibular gland structure in patients without sicca syndrome or Sjögren's syndrome.
- Focused on chronically inflamed glands to understand underlying causes of salivary dysfunction.
- Utilized electron microscopy for detailed ultrastructural analysis.
Observation:
- Observed a reduction in acinar elements within the affected glands.
- Noted significant ductular proliferation and hyperplasia.
- Identified a substantial presence of inflammatory cells within the glandular stroma.
Findings:
- Chronic inflammation in submandibular glands presents with acinar cell reduction and ductular changes.
- Inflammatory cell infiltration is a key feature of these chronically inflamed glands.
- Ultrastructural alterations in salivary glands are not exclusive to autoimmune diseases.
Implications:
- Salivary gland inflammation and structural changes can occur independently of autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.
- Intermittent obstruction or infection may lead to salivary gland pathology previously attributed to autoimmune diseases.
- Findings suggest a broader differential diagnosis for salivary gland inflammation, including non-autoimmune etiologies.
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