Effects of Hypophysectomy on the Enzyme Histochemistry of the Rat Submaxillary Gland

¹ Departments of Oral Pathology and Dental Science, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts

In the current investigation, histochemical as well as histologic procedures were employed to evaluate the effect of hypophysectomy on rat submaxillary gland. Morphologic and/or histochemical alterations were noted in the acini, secretary "granular" tubules, and ducts. The changes found consisted of reduction in cytoplasmic contents, disruption of cell architecture, and decrease in cell size. There was a reduction in acid phosphatase and beta-D-galactosidase activity of the acini and ducts, while there was an increase in the activity of those two enzymes in the secretary tubules. Succinic dehydrogenase activity of the secretary tubules and intralobular ducts was reduced. The evidence obtained indicates that the enzymology of all three major cytological components—acini, secretary tubules, and ducts—was altered.