目的　研究大鼠下颌下腺内瘦素和瘦素受体的表达及意义。　方法　取SD大鼠下颌下腺 ,分别进行HE染色和瘦素与瘦素受体的免疫组织化学染色。　结果　大鼠下颌下腺颗粒曲管和纹状管上皮细胞呈瘦素及其受体免疫反应阳性 ,其中颗粒曲管为强阳性反应 ,而纹状管为中等阳性反应 ,腺泡细胞为阴性。　结论　大鼠下颌下腺导管上皮细胞有瘦素及瘦素受体表达 ,提示下颌下腺也可能参与机体能量代谢与平衡的调节。 Objective To study the expression and significance of leptin and leptin receptors in the submandibular gland of rats. Methods The submandibular gland of SD rats was taken for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining of leptin and leptin receptor. Results The submandibular gland granule and the striated tubule epithelium were positive for leptin and its receptor immunoreactivity, of which the granular tubule was strongly positive, while the striated tubules were moderately positive and the acinar cells were negative. Conclusion The expression of leptin and leptin receptors in rat submandibular gland ductal epithelial cells suggests that the submandibular gland may also be involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and balance.