Morphometric study of the effects of insulin on the rat submandibular gland

After administration of an overdose of insulin, the following effects on the rat submandibular gland were observed: increased gland weight and acinar cell size, with increased cytoplasmic acidophilia and a larger number of secretory granules. The granular ducts showed higher cells and increased nuclear volume. The above data were confirmed by morphometric techniques. The total protein values for the submandibular gland were higher in rats 30 and 60 minutes after insulin overdose, when compared with those for control rats. Administration of an overdose of insulin caused a lowering of the glycemic level during the entire experimental period.