Age-related changes in EGF and protease in submandibular glands of C57BL/6J mice

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Abstract
The submandibular glands of male C57BL/6J mice were studied cytologically and chemically at ages 1-1.5, 6-8, 12-13 and 28-32 mo. The relative proportion of granular convoluted tubules (GCT) and the size and content of secretion granules of GCT cells progressively increased throughout the 1st yr of life. The concentration within the glands of 2 GCT cell products, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and protease, also steadily increased. In sensescent glands GCT formed relatively less of the gland parenchyma and were composed of shorter cells with reduced amounts of secretory granules. The concentration of EGF was reduced to 17% of tis peak value at 2 yr, while protease activity declined to 50% of its peak value. These morphologic and chemical findings imply a functional impairment in submandibular glands of the mouse with senescence.