Ultrastructure of Parotid and Mandibular Glands of Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Abstract Mansouri, S.H. and Atri, A. 1994. Ultrastructure of parotid and mandibular glands of camel (Camelus dromedarius). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 6: 131–141. The structure of major salivary glands of camel (parotid and mandibular) was studied by electron microscopy. The secretory units of parotid gland were tortuous and branched lined with cells of different heights, imparting a scalloped appearance to acinar lumina. Numerous microvilli were extending from cell membrane into the lumina and intercellular canaliculi. Secretory cells contained abundant mitochondria, less granular endoplasmic reticulum and less prominent Golgi apparatus as compared to those in the parotid glands of non-ruminant mammals. Two types of secretory granules variable in size and electron density, were present in the acinar cells. Mandibular glands were compound tubulo-acinar and contained serous, mucous and seromucous secretory units. Secretory cells contained heterogeneous secretory granules. The parenchyma of both the glands consisted of intercalated ducts which connected secretory units with striated ducts. These ducts in turn opened into collecting ducts located betweengland lobules. Striatedducts within parotid gland were not so developed as those of mandibular glands. In latter, these ducts exhibited extensive basal infolding with abundant mitochondria similar to those in bovine glands. Myoepithelial cells were most often present at junctions of acini and intercalated ducts and in association with secretory units.