An immunohistochemical and histological study of the influence of the testes and adrenal glands on epidermal growth factor-containing cells in the submandibular salivary glands of male mice
Steidler, N.E.; Reade, P.C.
Journal of Anatomy 135(Pt 2): 413-421
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-8782 PMID: 6757222 Document Number: 185415
The content of epidermal growth factor in the submandibular salivary glands is apparently controlled primarily by the hormonal secretions of the testes. In this study, the interrelationship of the adrenal glands and the testes in the control of the factor was investigated. Seventy male Swiss White mice were subjected to orchidectomy and/or bilateral adrenalectomy, and their submandibular salivary glands examined at 90 days of age. Some animals received specific hormone replacement prior to examination of these glands. The presence of epidermal growth factor was detected by indirect immunofluorescence, and adjacent sections of tissue were stained with alcian blue and acid fuchsin to demonstrate the convoluted granular tubules which are the site of storage of the factor in the glands. In the glands of normal males, these tubules were prominent and showed strong factor-positive immunofluorescence. The glands from orchidectomized males were atrophied and their factor content was markedly reduced. These effects could be reversed by the administration of testosterone. Adrenalectomy produced a minor degree of atrophy in the tubules which was reversible by cortisone administration. Combined adrenalectomy-orchidectomy resulted in severe atrophy of the tubules with complete loss of cytoplasmic granules and epidermal growth factor. This effect was diminished by the administration of cortisone or androstenedione. The content of epidermal growth factor-positive cells in the submandibular salivary glands of mice is dependent on the cooperative action of testicular and adrenal hormones, indicating a wider range of endocrine control of expression of epidermal growth factor in the submandibular salivary glands of mice than was previously supposed.