Journal of Dental Research, Vol 60, 738-747, Copyright © 1981 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Age-related changes in the cellular level of amylase and protein synthesis in the rat parotid gland
S. K. Kim
Age-related changes in the cellular content of secretory proteins and
protein synthesis were studied in parotid glands of rats of various ages.
The secretory protein content (determined by measuring the level of
alpha-amylase activity) and the synthesis of proteins (assayed by the rate
of incorporation of 3H-leucine into acid-insoluble proteins) decline with
increasing age. Morphological and radioautographic studies of the gland
indicate that the decline in protein synthesis is due to the reduction in
the ability of secretory cells to synthesize proteins.
