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Proliferative and structural differences between male and female mouse submandibular glands
Y Chai1, D K Klauser, P A Denny
1Department of Basic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
The Anatomical Record
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Male and female mice exhibit distinct submandibular gland structures and DNA synthesis patterns. These sexual dimorphisms include differences in cell size, ductal branching, and cell proliferation, particularly in intercalated duct cells.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Cell Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism is a known phenomenon in the salivary glands of various species.
- Previous studies have noted differences in salivary gland composition, size, and volume between sexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and detail sexual dimorphisms in adult mouse submandibular glands.
- To extend the understanding of these differences beyond cell composition to include DNA synthesis and ductal architecture.
Main Methods:
- Computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstructions of submandibular glands.
- Analysis of DNA synthesis patterns using 3H-thymidine labeling over 90 minutes.
- Comparison of cell volumes and proportions between male and female mice.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in acinar (AC) and granular duct (GD) cell volumes, with AC cells smaller than GD cells in males, and the reverse in females.
- Female glands showed higher DNA replication activity in intercalated duct (ID) cells compared to AC and GD cells, while male glands exhibited more equal activity across cell types.
- Female glands featured a more branched ID system, and GD structures differed in their termination within secretory complexes between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Adult mouse submandibular glands display pronounced sexual dimorphism affecting cell size, DNA synthesis, and ductal organization.
- These findings highlight distinct cellular and structural adaptations between male and female salivary glands, particularly in ductal cell proliferation and morphology.