Establishment of ex vivo mucocele model using salivary gland organ culture

A mucocele is a common lesion originating from the minor salivary glands and frequently seen in children. For this study, we established an ex vivo mucocele model using a mouse salivary gland organ culture method. Results: First, medium from the upper portion of salivary gland organ cultures was either removed or not, then culturing was continued for 10 days. After that 10-day period, 13 of 21 specimens (61.9%) in the medium removed group showed mucocele-like mucus restoration, while only 1 of 15 (6.7%) in the non-medium removed group showed restoration. Next, we examined mucocele type in the ex vivo salivary gland organ cultures and found mucous retention type mucocele formation in only the main duct of most of the cultures. Other types were observed in the main excretory and intercalated ducts, but not exclusively in the intercalated duct. We also investigated the effect of duct cutting on mucocele recrudescence. Mucoceles that developed in the cultures were cut with stainless needles under a stereomicroscope and mucus was promptly discharged. At 7 days after duct cutting, 5 of 19 specimens (26.3%) showed recrudescence mucus retention. Conclusions: This is the first report of establishment of an ex vivo pathogenic condition for examination of salivary glands. Our model may be useful to establish mucocele treatment options including drug screening and surgical procedures.