The content of nerve growth facor (NGF) in the submandibular gland of Horsfield's shrew (Crocidura horsfieldi; C. horsfieldi; Insectivora) showed sexual difference (male>female). Submandibular gland of C. horsfieldi is known to express male dominant sexual dimorphism at the striated duct portion and a relationship to the presence of NGF was suspected. C. horsfieldi and house musk shrew (Suncus murinus; suncus; Insectivora) possessed NGF in the striated duct portion of their submandibular glands. Although suncus has secretory granules in the secretory portion of the submanfibular gland, NGF was not detected at that portion. In the prostate glands of C. horsfieldi and suncus, NGF localization was observed at the epithelial cells and in the lumen. These results support our current hypothesis that large amounts of NGF exist in the striated duct portion of the submandibular gland which possesses male dominant sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, the prostatic NGF localization proved to follow the general rule i.e. NGF is localized at the epithelial cells and in the lumen.
