Objectives: Actin filaments, which are regulated by signal transduction via integrins, play important roles in the regulation of cell differentiation and polarity. The aim of this study was to assess alterations in the cytoskeleton and the localisation of integrins during regeneration of the rat submandibular gland.
Design: After obstruction for 7 days, the regenerating glands were collected at days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14 after duct release for analysis of regeneration. Alterations in the actin filaments were examined using phalloidin, which specifically binds to filamentous actin (F-actin), and the distributions of the α6β1 and α3 integrins were examined immunohistochemically.
Results: F-actin was strongly localised at the apical region in the intercalated ducts of normal and day-14 glands and in duct-like structures during the regenerative process. Thereafter, actin accumulated at the basement membrane in mature acinar cells. A temporo-spatial correlation was found between the apical distribution of F-actin and α3 integrin staining. Diffuse α6β1 integrin staining, which occurred at a distal site in α3 integrin-positive cells, was observed in immature cells at day 3. At day 14, α6β1 integrin was detected at the basement membrane in terminal differentiated acinar cells.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that duct-like structures have the same properties as intercalated ducts, that alterations in α3 to α6β1 integrins regulate the generation of acinar cells from duct-like structures, and that the α6β1 integrin is involved in the differentiation of acinar cells during regeneration of the rat submandibular gland.
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