Histochemistry of sialoglycoconjugates in goat submandibular glands.

The functional properties of sialic acids appear to be manifold. Therefore, they are considered as essential components of saliva. In this study, the localization of sialoglycoconjugates in the submandibular glands of Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat was examined by light and electron microscopic histochemical methods. The submandibular glands exhibited a large amount of sialic acids. Additionally, sialic acids with O-acetyl substitutions were detectable in the mucous acinar cells and serous demilunar cells. According to lectin histochemical methods, the mucous and serous cells mainly contained the Siaα2-6Gal/GalNAc sequence. These sialoglycoconjugates generated by the submandibular glands may specifically participate in the maintenance of the viscoelastic properties of saliva, protection of oral tissues and prevention of pathogenic microbial attacks. Therefore, our results suggest that they are essential components of saliva to maintain oral health.