Structure and Mucopolysaccaride Type of Major Salivary Glands of the Sunda Porcupines (Hystrixjavanica)

Sunda porcupines are one of the rodent species endemic to Indonesia. There is lack information related to the anatomical structure of their major salivary glands. The study aims to identify the anatomical structures and types of mucopolysaccharides produce d by the major salivary glands of Sunda porcupine. Four tissue samplesof major salivary glands of Sunda porcupine were processed for paraffin method and analyzed by Hematoxylin - Eosin, Alcian Blue - Periodic Acid Schiff, and lectin histochemistry for saphora japonica agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin . The parotid gland found in the preauricular region and along the posterior surface of the mandible, while the submandibular and sublingual glands were located on the floor of the mouth posterior to each mandib ular canine. The parotid gland was divided into two lobules, each composed by different types of acini in a separate lobulation. HE staining showed that parotid gland looks unique because in the anterior lobe, the acini are dominated by serous cell - type, w hile in posterior lobe are composed by mixed of serous and mucous cell - types. The acini of submandibular gland consist of serous cells - type, but sublingual gland acini covered by mucous cell - type. All of three major salivary glands have complete duct syste m comprising intercalated, striated and excretory ducts. The acini of parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands contain acid and neutral, neutral, and acid mucopolysaccharides, respectively. Lectin staining using SJA and WGA indicates that acini in sal ivary glands of sunda porcupine contain sugar residue of N - acetylgalactosamine and N - acetylglucosamine which is a derivative of galactose and glucose by the order of intensity from weak to strong in the parotid, sublingual and submandibular glands.The pres ent results provide for the first time data on the anatomical structure and mucopolysaccharides type produced by major salivary glands of Sunda porcupines. Sunda porcupine, major salivary gland, anatomical structure, mucopolysaccharides.