A STUDY OF THE DUCTAL SYSTEM OF THE SUBMAXILLARY GLAND BY USING CAST MODELS MADE OF RESIN, IN ITS SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE RELATION TO SIALOGRAPHIC FINDINGS

Abstract

In order to obtain cast modelst of the sumbmaxillary gland of dog, resin was infused into the normal or morbid ductal system of the gland. The morbid changes were experimentally evoked by verious means. The cast models obtained in this study were divided into several groups. At the same time the glands were examined sialographically and histologically for the purpose of comparing the characteristic features of each groups. The results were as follows. 1. The cast model of the normal gland was spherical or oval in shape, and had velvety surface. Both Wharton's duct and its branches were smooth in surface. The branches grew gradually finer as they ramified, ending in minute points. The terminal portion was 4 micron in diameter. 2. The cast model the gland with acute inflammatory changes had rough surface. These changes were evoked by infusion of supended staphylococci. The duct with multiple dells resembled a string of beads. The terminal portions were spheri- cal, dilatated or collapsed irregularly. They were over ten times as thick in diameter as the terminal portion of normal duct. These changes in the shape of the ducts were correlated with the sialographic findings which showed granular, oil-drop-like or massive leaks of opaque medium. The picture of the ducts became thin in density and was interrupted or discontinued. 3. The cast model of the gland after the incertion of was foreign bodies roughsurfaced or tree- shaped. The gland gave occasionally no opacity. The shadows of the ductal-system was dilated and rough in surface. 4. Morbid changes of the glands which were exposed to X-ray irradiation, were comparatively moderate. Their cast models were-nearly normal. The cast models of three cases which showed dapple shadows were rough-surfaced. 5. After the ligation of wharton's duct the Cast model of the glands was rough surfaced or tree-shaped. The shadow of the gland was dapple or unvisible. Those ducts were dilated, segme- ntal, pestle-like or discontinued. The shadows of the ducts were dilated, interrupted or discontinued with relation to their cast models. 6. The ductal-system of the glands could be filled with resin with in 2 weeks after injection of pyoctanin, and their models were rough-surfaced or tree shaped. However, it could not be filled after 1 month except the main duct, and the model showed stem-shape with irregular processes. 7. The present studiy indicated that an appreciable correlation was found between three-dimensional cast model of the submaxillary gland and two-dimensional sialographic findings, and it was that the sialographic findings would closely reflect pathologic changes in the ductal system of the gland.