Immunolocalization of PTHrP in the sublingual glands of three mammals.

The present study deals with immunohistochemical localization of PTHrP in sublingual glands of white mouse, bank vole, and common vole. PTHrP immunoreactivity was observed in epithelial cells of striated, interlobular and main excretory ducts of the salivary glands in all the three animal species tested. However, we found no positive reaction for PTHrP in epithelial cells of the intercalated ducts. In striated duct cells, the reaction intensity was species-dependent. In bank vole and common vole, the reaction was very strong, while in white mouse very weak. In the remaining segments of excretory ducts (interlobular and main excretory duct) we found no species-related differences in the reaction intensity or character. Myoepithelial cells surrounding ducts and mucous tubules with serous demilunes in sublingual glands were also PTHrP-negative in all the three animal species tested.