Images of salivary glands from embryonic stages to adult illustrating neuronal-epithelial communication

1. Salivary glands are composed of multiple cells types including epithelial,
mesenchymal, neuronal and endothelial cells
Epithelium Mesenchyme
nerves
Mesenchyme nerves

2. control
Anti-neurturin
PNA nerves nerves
The neurotrophic factor neurturin is secreted by the end buds (pre-acinar cells) to guide
directed migration of nerves

3. control
+VIP
Ecadherin KRT19
The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulates lumen formation

4. control neurturinGDNF ARTN PSP PTN
GDNF and neurturin stimulate outgrowth from fetal parasympathetic submandibular ganglia

5. KRT5+ cells line the smallest ducts of the adult salivary gland and are
regulated by parasympathetic nerves

6. Interactions between parasympathetic
ganglia, endothelial cells and KRT5+ cells
of the post-natal Day 1 salivary gland
ganglion KRT5
endothelial merge
Major duct

7. Innervation of the human adult parotid (salivary gland)
Nerves collagen IV