Fine structure of the parotid gland of Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus).

The parotid gland of Chinese hamster was examined by light and electron microscopy. The parotid acinar cells contained acidophile granules and reacted with the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reagent but failed to stain with alcian blue (AB). The acini were composed of light, dark and specific light cells containing secretory granules of various sizes and densities. Intercalated duct cells were composed exclusively of light cells and contained a few vesicles, fine granules and polygonal granules. Striated duct cells were PAS-positive and AB-negative, being composed of light and dark cells. These cells contained vesicles and fine granules, and the light cells in the male contained electron dense polygonal granules. No myoepithelial cells were detected around the acini, intercalated ducts or striated ducts, while nerve terminals were demonstrable among adjacent acinar cells or between the acinar cells and the underlying basement lamina.