Abstract
Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is a water channel protein and is considered to play an important role in water movement across the plasma membrane. We raised anti-AQP5 antibody and examined the localization of AQP5 protein in rat salivary and lacrimal glands by immunofluorescence microscopy. AQP5 was found in secretory acinar cells of submandibular, parotid, and sublingual glands, where it was restricted to apical membranes including intercellular secretory canaliculi. In the submandibular gland, abundant AQP5 was also found additionally at the apical membrane of intercalated duct cells. Upon stimulation by isoproterenol, apical staining for AQP5 in parotid acinar cells tended to appear as clusters of dots. These results suggest that AQP5 is one of the candidate molecules responsible for the water movement in the salivary glands.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 7 July 1998 / Accepted: 24 October 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Matsuzaki, T., Suzuki, T., Koyama, H. et al. Aquaporin-5 (AQP5), a water channel protein, in the rat salivary and lacrimal glands: immunolocalization and effect of secretory stimulation. Cell Tissue Res 295, 513–521 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410051257
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410051257