Mouse submaxillary gland shows sexually dimorphism. The submaxillary gland of male animal contains high concentration of growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and kallikrein-like enzymes. Using labeled nucleic acid probes and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we have demonstrated that EGF, NGF and some members of kallikrein gene mRNA concentration in female submaxillary gland increased after administration of testosterone or thyroxine. However in contrast to the effects on submaxillary gland, the gene expression on brain, kidney and pancreas were not affected by hormones. One kallikrein gene, mGK-6 was expressed at constant level in male and in female tissues and was not induced by hormones.
Comparisons of 5' flanking nucleotide sequence of members of kallikrein gene and genes encoding EGF and NGF have indicated the homologous sequence element within these genes. This element may be involved in the binding site for tissue specific regulately factor.