Abstract
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) (EC 2.1.1.6) was localized in rat parotid gland using immunocytochemical methods. Immunoreactive deposits were found in the cytoplasm of myoepithelial cells, striated duct cells, myoepithelial-like cells of the small excretory duct, and small basal cells of the large excretory duct. The results confirm that the predominant localization of COMT is extraneuronal. After ligation of the main excretory duct, a marked reduction of COMT immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the striated duct. Chronic postganglionic sympathectomy did not produce a diminution of the COMT immunoreactivity in the parotid gland. The pattern of localization observed in the extraneuronal elements suggests that enzyme may function in extraneuronal inactivation of catechols in the parotid gland.
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