Ultrastructural localization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in rat salivary glands by immunocytochemistry.

The ultrastructural localization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) (EC 3.4.14.5) in rat submandibular and parotid glands was studied immunocytochemically by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method, using a monospecific antiserum against rat kidney DPP IV. There were no differences in the immunocytochemical localization of DPP IV between submandibular and parotid glands. In these glands, DPP IV was primarily found to be associated with the luminal and intercellular canalicular plasma membranes of acinar cells and with the luminal plasma membranes of intercalated and striated duct cells. Occasionally, immunoreaction of DPP IV was detected in cytoplasmic vesicles (vacuoles), lysosomes, and multivesicular bodies in some acinar cells as well as in ductal epithelial cells. Furthermore, the reaction product was also found within the lumina of peri-acinar and peri-ductal capillaries and in the cytoplasm of some fibroblasts in the interstitial connective tissue. These data suggest that DPP IV in the submandibular and parotid glands may play some role in the secretion or reabsorption processes of secretory proteins and peptides in these glands.