Abstract
We report the tuft cells in the main excretory duct epithelia of rat salivary glands. These cells exhibit similar fundamental characteristics in the salivary glands and in other organs. However, numerous membrane-bound electron-dense granules are present among the microvilli of the tuft cells in the submandibular gland, but not in other organs. The apical cytoplasm contains numerous vesicles with a filamentous substance that reacts positively for glycoconjugates. The vesicles frequently are close to the apical plasma membrane and seem to open into the lumen. Nerve endings with synaptic vesicles are seen close to the basal portion of the tuft cells. The ratio of the tuft cells to principal cells is highest in the submandibular gland and lowest in the sublingual gland. The functions of the tuft cells in the salivary glands are suggested to be secretion, absorption, and reception.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.