Developmental Innervation of Rat Palatine Glands

Abstract

ObjectivesSalivary glands maturation and function are controlled and influenced by the nervous system. Nevertheless, little is known about salivary glands innervation during development, particularly minor salivary glands. Therefore, this study investigated the development of the innervation of the palatine glands of rat.Materials and methodsFrozen sections of rat palatine glands at different stages were immunohistochemically labeled for detection of two general nerve markers; protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and growth‐associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43), and two neuropeptides; calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY).ResultsPGP 9.5 and GAP‐43‐immunoreactive fibers (IRF) were present in the mesenchyme and in association with developing acini, ducts and blood vessels. GAP‐43‐IRF were more abundant and diffuse than PGP 9.5‐IRF at early stages, but showed similar distribution with growth, ramifying out from thick bundles in connective tissues until encircling the secretory units observed around postnatal day 21 (PN21). CGRP‐IRF were detected in the mesenchyme at embryonic day 20 (E20) and PN0. CGRP‐IRF became numerous around PN7 and PN10. They then decreased to the adult level at PN21, mainly located around ducts and infrequently blood vessels. NPY‐IRF were sparsely detected in the mesenchyme at E20, then detected in close proximity to acini in addition to blood vessels at PN3. NPY‐IRF increased till reaching the adult stage, and were mainly associated with blood vessels and around mucous cells and some serous demilunes.ConclusionThe findings indicated a developmental modification of the sensory and autonomic innervation which may play a role in the functional maturation of the palatine salivary glands. Moreover, they may indicate their roles in regulating the secretory mechanisms and local blood flow of these glands.Support or Funding InformationNone