The effect of postganglionic sympathectomy on the structure of the submandibular and major sublingual salivary glands of the rat.

Abstract

1. The rats were killed in groups at intervals over a period of five weeks following the operation. 2. The denervated glands became progressively reduced in size, paler in colour and softer in consistency. 3. In the denervated submandibular gland there was evidence of hyperaemia and an increase in the amount of interstitial connective tissue especially during the third and fourth weeks, but later this returned to normal. Initially, there was an increase in the amount of secretion present in the ducts accompanied by loss of striations and increased vacuolation in the cytoplasm of the striated duct cells. The cells lining the granular tubules showed a reduction in size and their granular content was also reduced. The cells of the tubulo acini became smaller and their nuclei appeared smaller. The cytoplasm of these cells showed a reduction in their staining ability and increased vacuolation. 4. In the denervated sublingual gland similar changes occurred in the ducts and blood vessels and the size of the mucous and demilune cells became reduced. 5. Towards the end of the investigation definite signs of disuse atrophy were present in the submandibular gland while the secretory cells of the sublingual gland passed into what appeared to be a state of rest. 6. Similar but smaller changes occurred in the glands of the opposite side where the parasympathetic nerves were intact.