Age related changes in the histomorphology of mandibular gland in prenatal buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The present work was undertaken on 42 buffalo embryos and fetuses ranging from 40 to 253 days to study the histomorphological features of mandibular salivary glands in the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during the prenatal period. The specimens were fixed and processed for serial paraffin sectioning and the sections were subjected to different staining methods. The primordium of mandibular gland appeared first as a solid epithelial bud from the oral epithelium at the base of the tongue at 40 days. Ductal Lumen formation was observed first in the terminal buds and primary cords of mandibular gland at 84 days. The differentiation of terminal buds into terminal tubules was completed at 91 days. The typical compound tubulo - alveolar architecture of the gland was attained first at 125 days. The gland was predominant in mucous type of acini from 140 day onwards. The formation of capsule around the gland was evident at 125 days and it was well developed at 197 days. Differentiation of intercalated, intralobular and interlobular ducts was possible at 125 days.