Gap junctions on myoepithelial cells.

In the submandibular gland of the male mouse, myoepithelial cells are found not only located to the endpieces and intercalated ducts, but also around the striated (or granulated) ducts. Irrespective of their location in the gland, the myoepithelial cells and their processes were found to be connected by gap junctions. It is suggested that these gap junctions play a key role in the synchronization of the contractile function of the myoepithelial cells.