Histochemical classification of human minor labial salivary glands according to their glycoprotein content

ABSTRACT

There is debate about the nature of the secretory cells in human labial salivary glands. Histologically, two types of acinar cells were observed. The predominant mucous acini, few basophilic serous acinar cells were detected. Histochemical differentiation of these cells according to their neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides content using PAS, AB pH 1 and AB pH 2.5 stain revealed the presence of three types of acinar cells, i.e. cells rich in both neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides, cells rich in either neutral or acidic mucopolysaccharides and cells contain neither neutral nor acidic mucopolysaccharides. The first type constitutes the major component of the gland