Histologic observation of submandibular gland after duct-ligation-damaged and duct reopened in SD rats

Objective: To observe the histologic changes when the main duct of submandibular gland was ligated and released in SD rats.Methods: The main duct of submandibular gland was reopened after double ligation for 6 days.Some ligated submandibular glands were harvested at day 6 after ligation.Others were reopened and harvested 4,6,12 and 24 days after releasing respectively.The histological changes were observed by HE staining and immunohistological staining.Results: After the main duct ligation,acinar cells disappeared with ductal cell proliferation that expressed CK19.The α6β1,LN positive cells were found in proliferative duct and periductal areas.Acinar cells was appearing at day 6 after release of the ligation.24 days after releasing,large number of acinar cells expressing amylases,PAS and AQP-5 were formed.Conclusion: After duct ligation,acinar cells disappear and duct epithelium cells proliferate.After release of the ligation,the acinar cells regenerate and the function of the gland recovers.