On the occurrence of argyrophil cells in salivary glands

Salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands) of nine mammalian species were investigated with respect to presence and localization of argyrophil and argentaffin cells. With the exception of the parotid gland of the rat, no positive staining was observed within the examined glands. In the rat parotid distinctly argyrophil cells could be demonstrated in the intercalated ducts. Histochemical studies of the cells, ultrastructural analysis of their cytoplasmic granules as well as their reactions to certain drugs indicate that these cells are of exocrine rather than of endocrine nature. After a subcutaneous injection of pilocarpine, the intensity of the argyrophil staining was markedly reduced. No specific catecholamine fluorescence could be detected within the cells, not even after pretreatment of the animals with high doses of L-DOPA. The membrane-bounded cytoplasmic granules of the intercalated duct cells furthermore displayed a strong positive staining reaction after treatment of ultrathin Vestopal sections with the periodic acid-chromic acid-silver technique of Rambourg et al. (1969).