Histological and histochemical structure of lingual salivary glands in mole rat (Spalax leucodon)

The histological and histochemical structure of lingual salivary glands in mole rat (Spalax leucodon) were studied using histochemical staining techniques to provide information of its salivary glands. A total of five adult mole rat (Spalax leucodon) were used as the material. It was observed that serous and mucous glands are placed in the root of the tongue. It was detected that although the mucous gland cells were rich in terms of AB pH 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and AF (+) mucosubstance, the PAS and KOH/PAS mucosubstances showed very weak reaction, and this mucosubstances were present at a very less amount in serous gland cells. In the PAS/AB staining, it was found that the serous and mucous gland cells showing only AB or only PAS reaction and also AB AB pH 2.5 (+) cells were found. The same findings were observed in serous glands by AF/AB staining. Consequently, the present study demonstrated characteristic features of the lingual salivary glands of the mole rat, and it revealed histological and histochemical data both in accordance with and different from that for the lingual salivary glands of mammals and other species.