ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the distribution of folliclestimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH) and colocalization with gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) in rat submaxilary glands. Methods Distribution of FSH, LH and colocalization with GnRHR consecutive sections of rat submaxilary glands were investigated by immunohistochemical colocalization methods. Results FSH and LH immunoreactivity were observed in the epithelial cells of serous acinus, secretory tubes, excretory ducts and granular convoluted tubule. The immunoreactive materials were brown and distributed in the cytoplasma with negative nucleolus. The results of immunohistochemical colocalization showed not only FSH but also GnRHR immunoreactivity in the same structure of two adjacent section. The distribution of the positive substance of FSH and GnRHR were similar to each other. The most of showing GnRHR immunoreactivity cells were detected LH immunoreactivity in the same structure of two adjacene section and the others were immunonegative. The GnRNR immunoreactive materials were distributed in the cytoplasma with negative nucleolus.Conclusion The epithelial cell of serous acinus, secretory tubes, excretory ducts and granular convoluted tubule of rat submaxilary glands may be synthesized and secreted FSH and LH. These cells with FSH and LH positive immunoreaction of rat submaxilary glands may be regulated by Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) through autocrine or paracrine.;