ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the morphological changes and expression of nerve growth factor(NGF) in submandibular gland of C57BL/ksj\|db/db mutant diabetic mice. Methods Animals were C57BL/ksj\|db/+m mutant diabetic mice which were imported from Japan.The pure Zygote,that is db/db mouse,displays obesity and high blood glucose over 10mmol/L.The test groups were 3,4,6,8,10 month\|old db/db mice and the age\|matched db/+m mice as control.Immunohistochemistry technology was applied in this study. Results In db/db diabetic mice,submandibular gland atrophied and took on the significant morphological changes in acinar,duct and granular convoluted tubule.The NGF Immunopositive cells in submandibular gland were significantly less than the age\|matched control animals and showed a descend tendency with the progression of diabetes millitus.Conclusion\ The decreased expression of NGF demonstrates NGF synthesis and secretion in granular convoluted tubule of submandibular gland was decreased.The lower NGF levels may be associated with development of diabetic neuropathy.\;[
