Localization of mRNAs of two androgen-dependent proteins, SMR1 and SMR2, by in situ hybridization reveals sexual differences in acinar cells of rat submandibular gland.

Androgen-dependent sexual differences in the granular convoluted tubules of mouse and rat submandibular glands (SMG) have been extensively reported. We studied two major androgen-dependent mRNAs of the rat SMG encoding proteins named SMR1 and SMR2. To determine which cell type in the SMG is responsible for synthesis of these mRNAs, we performed in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes coupled with alkaline phosphatase detection. We show that SMR1 and SMR2 mRNAs are synthesized in the acinar cells of the SMG. A clear difference in SMR1 and SMR2 mRNA levels in male and female is demonstrated. During the course of this study we also confirmed the acinar localization of mRNAs encoding the glutamine/glutamic acid-rich proteins (GRP) of rat SMG. Our data are the first clear evidence of androgen-dependent sexual differences in acinar cells of rat submandibular gland.