Histochemical differences between the major salivary glands of the marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata).

Histoenzymologic differences between the parotid, paramandibular and submandibular glands were studied in six Callithrix jacchus (four males and two females) and four Callithrix penicillata (three males and one female). The acinous cells of the paramandibular glands showed a stronger reactivity for the diaphorases (NADH2-TR and NADPH2-TR) and for a certain group of enzymes of the carbohydrate metabolism (F-1-6P Ald, LDH, ADH, G-6-PDH and 6-PGDH), lipid metabolism (alpha-GPDH, beta-OHBDH, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase), protein metabolism (alanyl aminopeptidase, leucine aminopeptidase and GDH) and respiratory chain (cris-aconitase and ICDH). The nonspecific esterase was more reactive in the basal part of of the mucous cells of the submandibular glands. Conversely, some enzymes of the respiratory chain (SDH, cytochrome oxidase and ATPases) showed a stronger reactivity in the serous cells of the parotid and submandibular glands. The paramandibular glands exhibited a lesser autonomic innervation than the parotid and submandibular.