Isolation of Myoepithelial Cells from Adult Murine Lacrimal and Submandibular Glands

The lacrimal gland (LG) has two cell types expressing α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA): myoepithelial cells (MECs) and pericytes. MECs are of ectodermal origin, found in many glandular tissues, while pericytes are vascular smooth muscle cells of endodermal origin. This protocol isolates MECs and pericytes from murine LGs.