[Development of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) activity in postnatal differentiation of the submandibular gland in mice].

The localization of a serine exopeptidase--DPP IV--in the male and female submandibular gland of the mouse during gland postnatal development was studied histochemically in the light microscopic level. The present results suggest that localization of DPP IV is closely related to the postnatal differentiation and maturation of acini and male granular convoluted tubules. Remarkable sex differences of DPP IV activity were detected in the submandibular gland of pubescent and adult animals. The possible physiological role of DPP IV in major salivary glands is also discussed in the paper.