Immunolocalization of FGF-2, -7, -8, -10 and FGFR-1–4 during regeneration of the rat submandibular gland

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) play important roles in the development of the submandibular gland. Although regeneration of submandibular glands follows a similar process to their development, it is unknown how FGFs and FGFRs are distributed during regeneration of submandibular gland. The aim of this study was to determine the localization of FGFs and FGFRs during such regenerative processes. After 7 days’ obstruction, the submandibular glands were collected at days 0, 1, 3, 7, 11 and 14 after duct release to study regeneration. The regenerative processes of the submandibular gland were investigated by immunohistochemistry for FGF-2, 7, 8, 10 and FGFR-1–4. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that FGF-2 was moderately expressed in the epithelial cells of duct-like structures (DLS) and newly formed acinar cells (NFAC) at days 0–7, and strongly in intercalated duct (ICD) at control gland and Day 7–14. FGF-7 was localized moderately in NFAC and DLS. FGF-8 was localized moderately in the epithelial cells of DLS during regeneration. Strong positive immunoreactions for FGF-10 were found in NFAC and the epithelial cells of DLS during regeneration, as well as the ICD and lateral surfaces of the maturing acinar cells (MAC). FGFR-1 was expressed moderately in the ICD, and weakly in the NFAC and MAC. Positive immunoreactions for FGFR-2 were not observed during regeneration. Additionally, FGFR-4 was detected strongly in the ICD and slightly in NFAC. These findings suggest that FGF-2, -7, -8 and -10 play important roles in NFAC, MAC, and DLS through FGFR-1 and -4 during regeneration of submandibular gland.