Ultrastructure of the parotid gland of the nine-banded armadillo

Abstract

The parotid gland of the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) was examined by electron microscopy. In general, the ultrastructural morphology of this gland appears similar to that described in other species. The most unusual feature of the gland is that the secretory granules of the acinar cells contain a wide variety of substructures. These substructures range from a single dense core within a homogeneous matrix to a more complex cord-like network extending throughout the granule. It is suggested that this diversity of substructures is indicative of a maturation process of the secretory granules. The intercalated ducts are secretory. The myoepithelial cells are numerous, extend throughout the gland, and are associated with the striated ducts.