Immunocytochemical investigations on the submandibular glands of developing and adult mice using a specific antiserum on protease A.

The submandibular glands of developing and adult mice were studied immunocytochemically by the unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase and the colloidal gold-protein A methods, using an antiserum to a highly purified esteroprotease (protease A, EC 3.4.4) of mouse submandibular gland origin. A thin subluminal rim of immunoreactivity, seen in striated duct cells throughout development, persisted in adulthood. From 15 days of age onwards, striated duct cells with diffuse cytoplasmic staining also occurred; such cells increased in number with age. A clear sexual dimorphism of the submandibular gland was first discernable by 25 days of age, when the developing granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cells of males were slightly larger than those of females; this size difference became more pronounced at later ages, resulting in a distinct dimorphism by 50 days of age. In adults, the principal sites of immunoreactivity were the GCTs, whose component cells stained with different intensities. Electron microscopic immunocytochemical techniques revealed that deposits of oxidized diaminobenzidine or particles of celloidal gold were restricted to the secretion granules of GCT cells; all other organelles were unstained. Acinar and intercalcated duct cells were negative.