Immunolocalization of myoepithelial cells in isolated acini of rat exorbital lacrimal gland: cellular distribution of muscarinic receptors.

The secretion of proteins and fluids from the exorbital lacrymal gland of rat is mainly controlled by muscarinic receptors. In a recent pharmacological study. Mauduit et al (Am J Physiol (1993) 264, C1550-C1560) identified a homogeneous population of M3 muscarinic receptors in preparations of acini from these tissues. In order to define the cellular composition of these acini and localize the muscarinic receptors, we have performed an immunofluorescent labelling study combined with confocal scanning microscopy. Antibodies raised against components of the different cytoskeletal networks (alpha-smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin peptide 14 and alpha-tubulin) revealed the presence of two different cell types. Cells with a stellate form are identified as myoepithelial cells, whereas rounded cells are secretory acinar cells. Both cell types are reactive with an antibody specifically directed against the muscarinic receptor. However, myoepithelial cells appear more intensely labelled than acinar cells. The roles of myoepithelial cells and secretory cells in the physiological function of the gland are discussed in terms of the distribution of muscarinic receptors.