Pleiotropic effect of Tabby gene on epidermal growth factor-containing cells of mouse submandibular gland.

The influence of the Tabby gene on the submandibular gland of the mouse was assessed by comparing the mass of the gland, and its content of granular convoluted tubules, in prepubertal, pubertal, and adult Tabby mice and their wild type brother controls. The Tabby mice showed reduction in mass of the adult submandibular gland, delayed development of the granular convoluted tubules, and reduction in relative content of granular convoluted tubules. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is released from the granular convoluted tubules of the mouse submandibular gland, and it is known to experimentally influence the development of at least some of the structures that are affected by the Tabby gene. Accordingly, the question of a relationship between the Tabby gene and EGF is raised.