Ciliated Cells in the Main Excretory Duct of the Submandibular Gland in Obstructive Sialadenitis: A SEM and TEM Study

Abstract

The epithelium of the main excretory duct of the submandibular gland in five cases of obstructive sialadenitis was studied by TEM and SEM. In three cases we found a considerable increase in goblet and ciliated cells. As well as normal cilia, different kinds of ciliary anomalies, especially compound cilia, were noticed. Images of centriole formation and of ciliogenesis, both normal and abnormal, were also observed. Several hypotheses concerning the mode of formation of the compound cilia are discussed.

Key Words:

• Wharton's duct
• cilia
• ciliopathies
• salivary glands
• sialadenitis
• ultrastructure