Atrophy of myoepithelial cells in parotid glands of diabetic mice; detection using skeletal muscle actin, a novel marker

▸ Skeletal muscle actin was expressed in parotid glands of mice. ▸ Myoepithelial cells were isolated from parotid glands of mice. ▸ Myoepithelial cells expressed both skeletal muscle actin and smooth muscle actin. ▸ Expression of actin-α1 and actin-α2 was decreased in diabetic mice. ▸ Atrophy of myoepithelial cells may occur in parotid glands of diabetic mice.