BACKGROUND: In the present study, the submandibular
salivary gland microscopic morphology of the adult African
giant pouched rat was investigated. This study was carried out to
provide the basic histology of this organ in the giant pouched rat,
to accompany the dearth of information of its microscopic
architecture in the available literature. This becomes of even
higher importance when considering the possible use of this
species of rodent as a future laboratory animal to replace the
Winster rat, because of its bigger size and the possibility of
domesticating the giant pouched rat as a ready source of animal
protein. In addition, the need to understand the digestive biology
to help animal nutritionists in feeding formulation may also be
achieved. The histology revealed the presence of both serous and
mucus secretory acini. Some mucus cells showed serous
demilumes. The myoeithelial cells were seen around the
secretory cells and the intercalated ducts. The serous gland
region with more relatively profuse intralobular ducts was larger
in size than the mucus gland region. The intralobular ducts of
intercalated and striated ducts were lined by simple cuboidal and
simple columnar cells, respectively. The excretory duct was
lined by the stratified cuboidal cells. The large serous glandular
region reflects need for more enzymic action in the oral cavity,
while the mucus glands will help produce mucin that will
lubricate the digestive tract. This study, for the first time
documents the normal histology of submandibular salivary
gland in this species, hence filling the knowledge gap that will
help further research especially on the role of myoepihelial cells
in the secretory glands tumours.