The chronically reserpinized rat as a possible model for cystic fibrosis. I. Submaxillary gland morphology and ultrastructure.

Rats treated for 7 days with reserpine develop structural changes in the 
submaxillary gland that resemble those that have been reported in cystic 
fibrosis. The salivary exocrinopathy is characterized by increased amounts of PAS-reactive 
mucoprotein in the acinar cells and by obstruction and dilatation of 
ducts by precipitated material with the same staining characteristics as those 
found in the acinar elements. 