ABSTRACT
In the present study, the submandibular salivary gland microscopic morphology of the adult African giant pouched rat was investigated. This study was carried out to provide the basic histology of this organ in the giant pouched rat, to accompany the dearth of information of its microscopic architecture in the available literature. This becomes of even higher importance when considering the possible use of this species of rodent as a future laboratory animal to replace the Winster rat, because of its bigger size and the possibility of domesticating the giant pouched rat as a ready source of animal protein. In addition, the need to understand the digestive biology to help animal nutritionists in feeding formulation may also be achieved. The histology revealed the presence of both serous and mucus secretory acini. Some mucus cells showed serous demilumes. The myoeithelial cells were seen around the secretory cells and the intercalated ducts. The serous gland region with more relatively profuse intralobular ducts was larger in size than the mucus gland region. The intralobular ducts of intercalated and striated ducts were lined by simple cuboidal and simple columnar cells, respectively. The excretory duct was lined by the stratified cuboidal cells. The large serous glandular region reflects need for more enzymic action in the oral cavity, while the mucus glands will help produce mucin that will lubricate the digestive tract. This study, for the first time documents the normal histology of submandibular salivary gland in this species, hence filling the knowledge gap that will help further research especially on the role of myoepihelial cells in the secretory glands tumours