Sialographic Characterization of Normal Submandibular Gland of the Miniature Pig

Objectives:To investigate the characteristics of the morphology of the miniature pig's submandibular gland as basis for further use of minipig's submandibular glands in the salivary gland research. Methods: Five miniature pigs were included in this study. Two of them were used to observe the sialographic features of submandibular gland. Three of them were used to study anatomy, histochemistry, histology and ultrastructure of the glands. Results: The minipig's submandibular gland was in flat oval shape, and 8~11.5g in weight. The main duct of the submandibular gland(Warton duct) was about 12~14cm in length and 2~3mm in diameter, located originally from the front edge of the gland, extended forward and upward and connected the orifice at the sublingual caruncle. The sialographic results showed that the Warton duct extended backwards horizontally from the bottom of the mouth to the middle of the angle of mandible, and then went backward and downward. The histological findings showed that minipig's submandibular gland was a mixed gland, which consists of serous and mucous cells. The histochemistry showed that the products synthesized from the submandibular gland acinar cells was basically consistent with human being's. Ultrastructural findings showed that the submandibular glands of minipigs included two kinds of acinar cells which were composed of two different types of secretory granules. Conclusion: This study provides basic structural information on the submandibular gland of the minipig. Supported by National Natural Scientific Foundation of China.30271400.