title: The granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cell of rodent submandibular glands.
abstract: The granular convoluted tubule (GCT) is a segment of the duct system of all rodents, situated between the striated and intercalated ducts. It has the peculiar property of synthesizing a large variety of biologically active polypeptides whose role in saliva remains unknown. The literature on the fine structure of GCT cells is critically reviewed. Some recent developments on endocrine regulation of the structure and contents of rodent GCT cells are summarized, with emphasis on EGF, NGF, renin, and kallikrein proteases. A survey of the distribution of GCT cells in several vertebrate families is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York Medical School, New York 10031.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Gresik
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D007610:Kallikreins / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D012083:Renin / Q000032:analysis; D012377:Rodentia / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D007610:Kallikreins; D012083:Renin