To deterrnine the effects of insulin-like growth factor system in the aging process of the rat submandibular gland, expression pattems of 19f-1, 19f-2 and 19f-1 receptor were investigated by immunohistochem엽따. 1n addition, age-related changes of 19f-1 and 19f-2 concentrations in serum were deterrnined by radioimmunoassay 19f-1, 19f-2 and 19f-1 receptor were principally expressed 띠 the duct cells. 19f-1 receptors were strongly expre잃ed in 2-week-old group but were gradually decreased with advancing age. 19f-1 expressions were the strongest in the excretory and striated ducts of 7-month-old and 17-month-old groups. 19f-1 expressions, however, were weakiy expressed in the cells of granular convoluted tubules of 7-month잉ld , 17-month-old and 27-month-old groups. 19f-2 expressions were found in some cells around duαs of 2-week-old group but were persisted relatively weak. The concentrations of 19f-1 and 1향2 in serum were the highest in 2-week-old group but were decreased and maintained at low level with advancing age. These results show that all components of 19f system were expressed in the rat submandibular giand in an age-related manner. Serum concentrations of all components of 19f system were not dosely related with the intra-밍and비ar expresslon patterns 까lerefore , 1양 systerns may play important roles in the aging process of the rat submandibular gland in an autocrine/paracrine manner