Histoenzymatic studies on prenatal development of submandibular salivary gland in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Aim: The present study was aimed at elucidating the distribution of various enzymes in the submandibular salivary gland of buffalo during prenatal development and correlation of these enzyme systems with the secretory activity of the gland. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on submandibular salivary gland of 15 buffalo fetuses ranging from 11 cm curved crown-rump length (CVRL) (78 days) to 100 cm CVRL (full term). The fetuses were categorized into three groups based on their CVRL. Results: A weak activity of phosphatases and oxidoreductases was observed in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium at 11-19 cm CVRL (78-114 days). From 28 to 37 cm CVRL (136-157 days), a weak to moderate diffused granular alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity was observed in the seromucous acini whereas oxidoreductases showed moderate activity. The enzyme activity showed progressively increased with the advancement of the gestation period. The AKPase activity was more in the lumen of acini and along the intercellular canaliculi at 42-100 cm of CVRL (168 days - full term). Large ducts exhibited strong activity for oxidoreductases indicating increased metabolic activity of the cells. Conclusion: The fetuses of Group I showed a uniform weak activity in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium of the gland. In Group II, the enzymes showed a weak to moderate activity which progressively increased with the advancement of gestation period. The enzymes related to Group III showed a strong positive activity for enzymes which reflected higher secretory activity of the gland.