Histoenzymic studies on sublingual salivary gland of buffalo during prenatal development

The histoenzymic studies on sublingual salivary gland of 15 buffalo foetuses ranging from 11 cm CVRL (78 days) to 100 cm CVRL (full term) were conducted. The foetuses were categorized into three groups based on their curved crown rump length (CVRL). At 11–19 cm CVRL (78–114 days), a weak activity of phosphatases and oxidoreductases was observed in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium. Between 28–37 cm CVRL (136–157 days), a weak to moderate diffused granular alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity was observed in the mucous acini whereas oxidoreductases showed moderate activity. The enzyme activity was progressively increased with advancement of the gestation period. AKPase activity was more in the lumen of acini and along the intercellular canaliculi at 42–100 cm of CVRL (168 days-full term). Large ducts exhibited strong activity for oxidoreductases indicating increased metabolic activity of cells.