DNA synthesis and development strategies with possible consequences on sexual dimorphism in adult mouse submandibular glands.

This article summarizes a series of recent studies that broaden the criteria for sexual dimorphism in adult mouse submandibular gland. From these observations, a hypothesis is presented, suggesting that the gross histological differences that are characteristic of adult sexual dimorphism in the gland secondarily result from differences in the activities of three fundamental cellular processes, that is, rates of cell proliferation, cell sizes, and ongoing patterns of differentiation.