A qualitative and quantitative study of the ageing human labial salivary glands.

A series of 36 post-mortem labial salivary glands from both male and female subjects with ages ranging from 25 to 80 yr were examined histologically. Features such as acinar atrophy, fibrous replacement and ductal aberrations were noted in the aged glands. By the stereological method of point counting, the volume proportions of various defined gland constituents were calculated for individual glands in the series. An age-related decrease in acinar volume proportion and an increase in ductal and connective tissue volume proportion is recorded. These changes should be considered when diseased glands are studied.