Effects of autonomic nerve stimulation on the secretory products of the dog submandibular gland.

Dog submandibular gland cells store mucins and secretory protein in their secretory granules for the purpose of export. The secretion of these products is under the influence of autonomic innervation to the gland. Acinar cell products are influenced by the parasympathetic division whereas the duct cell secretory proteins are influenced by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Demilune cell secretory products are influenced by both divisions of the autonomic nervous system.