Histoenzymic Studies on Parotid Salivary Gland of Buffalo during Prenatal Development

Abstract

The study was conducted on 24 buffalo foetuses ranging from 11 cm CVRL (78 days) to 105 cm CVRL (full term) divided into three groups based on their curved crown rump length (CVRL). At 11-19 cm CVRL (78-114 days), a uniform weak alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity and Oxidoreductases was observed in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium. Between 22-37 cm CVRL (123 to 157 days), a weak to moderate diffused granular AKPase activity was observed in the serous acini whereas oxidoreductases showed moderate activity. The enzyme activity showed progressive increase with advancement of gestation period. From 42 to 105 cm of CVRL (168 days of gestation to full term) AKPase activity was more in the basal portions of the acini and along the intercellular canaliculi. The striated and large ducts exhibited strong activity for oxidoreductases indicating increased metabolic activity of cells.