BACKGROUND: Stem cell therapy could be a potential way for reducing radiation-induced
hyposalivation and improving the patient's quality of life. However, the identification and
purification of salivary gland stem cells have not been accomplished. This study aims to
better characterize the stem/progenitor cell population with regenerative potential residing in
the mouse salivary gland. METHODS: Mouse submandibular gland tissue, isolated cells and
cultured 3day old salispheres were tested for their expression of stem cell markers c-Kit …