Immunocytochemical localization of nerve growth factor,epidermal growth factor,renin and protease A in the submandibular glands of Tfm/Y mice

The submandibular glands of mice with testicular feminization (Tfm/Y) and their normal adult male littermates (Ta/Y) were studied by immunocytochemical techniques for the demonstration of epidermal growth factor (EGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), renin and protease A. In the glands of both the affected and normal males, these polypeptides were restricted to cells of the granular convoluted tubules (GCT), with the exception of protease A, which was also found in small amounts in striated duct cells. Compared to those of Ta/Y males, GCTs were narrower in the glands of Tfm/Y mice and contained a markedly reduced number of cells immunoreactive for EGF, NGF and renin. However, the number of GCT cells that stained for protease A in the glands of Tfm/Y males was not as drastically decreased.