Abstract
The morphology and the function of submaxillary glands of young rats were studied by means of histologic and micropuncture techniques. Osmolality, sodium and chloride concentrations were measured in saliva samples obtained from various levels of the duct system. The findings were as follows: 1. The acini of the submaxillary gland of 2 to 5 weeks old rats are not differentiated. Their precursors are the so-called “terminal tubules”. 2. Unlike adult rats, the primary secretion of neonatal submaxillary gland was found to be hypertonic. The mean sodium and chloride concentrations were 160 and 120 mEq/L respectively. The significance of the unexpected finding of the hypertonicity of the primary secretion is discussed. 3. The final saliva is hypotonic. The mean sodium, chloride and potassium concentrations were 18, 27 and 49 mEq/L respectively. 4. The osmolality and sodium and chloride concentrations progressively decrease as the saliva flows along the main duct of the gland. This is due to reabsorption of sodium chloride.
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