Histological, morphometric and histochemical changes in the submandibular gland of the rat under experimental protein-calorie malnutrition.

Submandibular salivary glands of rats, subjected to experimental protein-calorie malnutrition, were studied by histologic, morphometric and histochemical methods. Marked alterations were observed. Acinar atrophy, a severe decrease in the volumetric proportion of the granular duct, and a decrease in the protein content of the granular duct cells were all recorded. Neutral mucosubstances were reduced in both acinar and granular duct cells.