Gross Cystic Disease Fluid Protein 15 in Stratum Corneum Is a Potential Marker of Decreased Eccrine Sweating for Atopic Dermatitis

It is well known that eccrine sweating is attenuated in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). We have reported by using proteome analysis that gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP15), a substance secreted from eccrine sweat glands, is decreased in tape-stripped stratum corneum (SC) samples from AD patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate GCDFP15 production by eccrine glands with SC samples and to assess sweating in AD. SC samples were obtained from 51 healthy control (HC) and 51 AD individuals. Sweat samples were from 18 HC and 12 AD subjects. GCDFP15 was quantified by ELISA. By immunohistochemistry, the expression of GCDFP15 in eccrine glands was examined in normal and AD skin specimens. To identify GCDFP15-producing cells, double immunofluorescence staining for GCDFP15 and S100 protein was performed in frozen sections. To address the mechanism underlying the decreased eccrine sweating in AD patients, we examined the expression of cholinergic receptor M3 (CHRM3), a receptor for acetylcholine-induced sweating, in eccrine sweat glands. The amounts of GCDFP15 in the SC extracts were significantly lower in AD than HC (P < 0.0001). The sweat samples from AD patients also had lower levels of GCDFP15 concentration (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed positive GCDFP15 staining in the eccrine gland secretory cells and the ductal and acrosyringial lumen in normal skin, but AD lacked clear staining. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that GCDFP15 was co-expressed with S100 protein, suggesting that the clear cell of eccrine glands produces GCDFP15. Finally, we found that the expression of CHRM3 was depressed in AD, suggesting contribution to the low sweating. The SC of AD patients contains a low amount of GCDFP15 due to both low sweating and low GCDFP15 concentration in the sweat. GCDFP15 in SC is a potential marker for dysregulated sweating in AD.     

Histological study of the teleost liver. III. The system of biliary pathways]

In the liver of Haplochromis burtoni four divisions of the intrahepatic biliary pathways can be distinguished: canaliculus, canaliculus ductulus transition, ductulus biliferus, ductus biliferus. There are no transitional stages between the hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. The results of the investigation suggest that the ductules open into the ducts in two ways, directly and by graded transition of structure. The first part of the ductulus has a very narrow lumen and therefore is similar to the "Schaltstück" of salivary glands. Terminal ductulus cells can protrude into the canaliculus (= lumen of the liver tubulus), giving the appearance of centrotubular cells in cross-section. In the liver of most of the teleosts investigated here the canaliculi are intercellular. Tangentially cut diverticuli of the canaliculi appear to be unicellular ("intracellular") canaliculi, but are, however, merely unicellular ("intracellular") protrusions of the intercellular canaliculi. On the other hand the three cyprinid species (Barbus tetrazona, Idus idus, Carassius auratus) possess true unicellular ("intracellular") canaliculi. These can definitely be distinguished from the diverticuli of intercellular canaliculi by several criteria. Phylogenetically the unicellular ("intracellular") canaliculus must be regarded as derivative, and the intercellular canaliculus as the original form. The morphology of the wall of the gall-bladder of Haplochromis burtoni indicates that transfer of substances is increased together with transportation and drainage of fluids and variations in volume. The ultrastructure of the epithelial cells reveals a zonal arrangement.     

Lipid distribution in salivary glands of larvae and adult bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Cytochemical studies were carried out to establish lipid distribution in the salivary glands of larvae and adult bees, using the imidazole buffer technique. In the duct cells of the larval salivary gland, the reaction was positive in the epicuticle and negative in the glandular lumen. The absence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the presence of lipids in the intercellular space suggest that lipids absorbed from the haemolymph could be used in the constitution of the epicuticle, after having been conveyed through the epithelium. In adult workers (new-emerged, nurse and forager workers), the head salivary glands presented a positive reaction in the secretion in glandular lumen, identifying its lipidic nature.     

The fine structure of the excretory system in adult Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nematoda) and a suggested function for the 'excretory glands'

The ultrastructure of the excretory system, including the subventral glands, of the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis has been described. The walls of the lateral excretory canals contain canaliculi which open into the lumen of the canal. It is suggested that these canals play a role in osmoregulation and excretion. The sub-ventral glands contain two types of secretory granule and contain non-specific esterase, cholinesterase and aminopeptidase. It is suggested that these glands are not excretory but play an important role in feeding.     

An electron microscopic study of the acinar cells of the submaxillary salivary glands of white rats]

Numerous rows of rough endoplasmic reticulum, large Golgi apparatus with condensation vacuoles and other ultrastructures typical for secreting cells of the exocrine type (secretory granules, smooth and covered vesicles, lysosomes, microtubules, mitochondria) were found in glandular acinar cells of the submaxillary salivary glands of albino rats. The substantial features of the given object are: firstly, low electron density of the content of the secretory granules which seems to be connected with high content of polysaccharides in the secretion and secondly, the presence of special inclusions covered with a typical three-layer membrane. The latter together with the rest of the content of the granules may come into the lumen of the central duct of the acinus and intercellular secretory capillaries.     

The use of thioesterase II as a rat mammary epithelial cell-specific marker

The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunoperoxidase technique was employed to determine the intercellular distribution of thioesterase II in rat mammary glands. This enzyme is responsible for shifting the product specificity of the fatty-acid synthetase enzyme complex from long to medium chain fatty acids. Thioesterase II was found exclusively in the cells lining the lumen of the ductal and alveolar structures in glands from mature virgin (150 days old) and pregnant rats. The ductal cell staining intensity was considerably less than that of the alveolar cells in the mature virgin rat glands. No immunoreactive thioesterase II was found in the stromal, adipose, vascular, or myoepithelial components of the gland in the developmental stages examined. In the glands from immature virgin rats (40-45 days old) thioesterase II was again found only in the epithelial cells lining the lumen of the ductal and end-bud structures although this layer was usually more than one cell thick. Quantitative determination of thioesterase II activity in cytosol preparations revealed similar levels in mammary fragments from enzymatically-dissociated glands obtained from mature virgins and in end buds derived from immature virgins, but somewhat higher levels in mammary structures derived from late-pregnant animals. These immunohistological and biochemical results demonstrate thioesterase II's usefulness as a mammary epithelial cell-specific marker.     

Thermogenic and psychogenic recruitment of human eccrine sweat glands: Variations between glabrous and non-glabrous skin surfaces

Human eccrine sweat-gland recruitment and secretion rates were investigated from the glabrous (volar) and non-glabrous hand surfaces during psychogenic (mental arithmetic) and thermogenic stimuli (mild hyperthermia). It was hypothesised that these treatments would activate glands from both skin surfaces, with the non-thermal stimulus increasing secretion rates primarily by recruiting more sweat glands. Ten healthy men participated in two seated, resting trials in temperate conditions (25–26 °C). Trials commenced under normothermic conditions during which the first psychogenic stress was applied. That was followed by passive heating (0.5 °C mean body temperature elevation) and thermal clamping, with a second cognitive challenge then applied. Sudomotor activity was evaluated from both hands, with colourimetry used to identify activated sweat glands, skin conductance to determine the onset of precursor sweating and ventilated sweat capsules to measure rates of discharged sweating. From glandular activation and sweat rate data, sweat-gland outputs were derived. These psychogenic and thermogenic stimuli activated sweat glands from both the glabrous and non-glabrous skin surfaces, with the former dominating at the glabrous skin and the latter at the non-glabrous surface. Indeed, those stimuli individually accounted for ~90% of the site-specific maximal number of activated sweat glands observed when both stimuli were simultaneously applied. During the normothermic psychological stimulation, sweating from the glabrous surface was elevated via a 185% increase in the number of activated glands within the first 60 s. The hypothetical mechanism for this response may involve the serial activation of additional eccrine sweat glands during the progressive evolution of psychogenic sweating.     

Ultrastructural Studies on the Trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens in the Salivary Glands of a Phytophagous Hemipteran

Electron microscopy of salivary glands of the phytophagous hemipteran Phihia picta infected with Phytomonas serpens revealed the presence of flagellates in the gland periphery beneath the gland envelope, in the gland central lumen, between gland cells in the intercellular space and inside the gland cells. In the latter case, flagellates were found in the cytoplasm whether or not it was surrounded by a vacuolar membrane. Flagellates were always of the promastigote type, sometimes displaying a large twisted body. Morphological peculiarities of flagellates in different gland locations are recorded.     

Fine structure of the spermatheca and of the accessory glands in Orchesella villosa (Collembola, Hexapoda)

The spermatheca and the accessory glands of the collembolan Orchesella villosa are described for the first time. Both organs exhibit ultrastructural differences, according to the time of the intermolt in which the specimens were observed. A thick cuticular layer lines the epithelial cells of the accessory glands. In the reproductive phase, they are involved in secretory activity; a moderately dense secretion found in the apical cell region opens into the gland lumen. Cells with an extracellular cistern are intermingled with the secretory cells. These cells could be involved in fluid secretion, with the secretory product opening into the cistern which is filled with an electron-transparent material. After the reproductive phase, the gland lumen becomes filled with a dense secretion. The accessory gland secretion may play a protective role towards the eggs. The spermatheca is located between the accessory glands; its epithelium is lined by a thin cuticle forming spine-like projections into the lumen and consists of cells provided with an extracellular cistern. Secretory cells, similar to those seen in the accessory glands, are missing. Cells with a cistern could be involved in the production of a fluid secretion determining sperm unrolling and sperm motility.     

A histological and ultrastructural comparison of the male accessory reproductive glands of diapausing and non-diapausing adults in Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae)

Cytological variations of the median and the 2 lateral accessory glands of Bruchidius atrolineatus Pic (Coleoptera : Bruchidae) were examined as a function of age and the reproduction of the male. In sexually active virgin males, the secretory epithelium is columnar at emergence, but progressively flattens, and the secretions formed and stored by its cells are expelled by exocytosis into the glandular lumen. After 10 days, the male accessory glands exhibit a stage of repletion, characteristic of glands temporarily storing their secretions in their lumen. In diapausing males, the genital tract is relatively undeveloped and the accessory glands are reduced to tubules, whose lumen, surrounded by an epithelium composed of narrow cells, contains little secreted material. The presence of secretion aggregates in the secretory epithelial cells, the abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum in them, and the release of a part of their secretions into the glandular lumen, indicate that reproductive diapause in B. atrolineatus is characterized by a decrease in the reproductive function. and not its total arrest.     

The anterior glands of adult Necator americanus (Nematoda: Strongyloidea)—I Ultrastructural studies

The ultrastructure of the amphidial, oesophageal and excretory glands of N. americanus is described. There are two amphidial glands, and each is attached to a lateral hypodermal cord. Anteriorly the glands become associated with the amphidial sense organs. The amphidial glands synthesize complex secretion granules which appear to release their contents into the sense organ. Secretions thus pass over the amphidial cilia and exit via the amphidial pore. It is suggested that the secretory activity of these glands is under direct nervous control. There are three oesophageal glands, and each synthesizes dense secretion granules. The secretions of the oesophageal glands are released into the lumen of the oesophagus and into the buccal capsule. The two excretory glands are ventral in position and connected to the tubular excretory system. These glands synthesize secretion granules of varying density. Secretions from the excretory glands may exit via the excretory pore, or pass back into the tubular excretory system, or both.     

Clinico-morphological and histological studies of the foveola palatina

The occurrence of foeveola palatina was studied in 264 patients. The distance of the foveola palatina from the papilla incisiva and palatinal raphe was measured. Light and electron microscopic examinations were carried out on specimens obtained from cadavers. It was found that ducts of functioning mucous glands open into the foveolar lumen lined by stratified epithelium.     

A light microscopic and ultrastructural study on the presence and location of oxytocin in the equine endometrium

It has been reported that oxytocin is produced not only in the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary but also in outside the classical hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal axis such as the ovary, testis, placenta and in some nonreproductive sites. In the mare, oxytocin-mRNA has been identified in the endometrium, and oxytocin and its neurophysin have been identified in the uterus. In the present study, oxytocin was localised in the endometrium of the mare at the light microscopic and ultrastructural level by immunostaining and immunogold labelling of endometrial biopsy specimens collected during estrus.Strong positive immunostaining for oxytocin was found in the secretory vesicles of the secretory (nonciliated) epithelial cells of the uterine lumen and of the superficial glands. Using immunogold labelling, oxytocin was detected in the secretory vesicles of secretory epithelial cells. The vesicles containing immunoreactive oxytocin were present on the luminal surface suggesting that oxytocin is secreted into the uterine lumen by apical exocytosis. There was no positive immunostaining in ciliated epithelial cells of the uterine lumen and endometrial glands, in the stromal cells, or in the basal endometrial glands. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the location of oxytocin in specific secretory cells in the endometrium of any domestic species. This locally synthesised uterine oxytocin may have an important role in the autocrine/paracrine control of uterine contractility and luteolysis in the mare.     

Ultrastructure of male reproductive accessory glands and ejaculatory duct in the Queensland fruit fly,Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Ultrastructure of male reproductive accessory glands and ejaculatory duct in the Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni, were investigated and compared with those of other tephritid flies. Male accessory glands were found to comprise one pair of mesodermic glands and three pairs of ectodermic glands. The mesodermic accessory glands consist of muscle-lined, binucleate epithelial cells, which are highly microvillated and extrude electron-dense secretions by means of macroapocrine transport into a central lumen. The ectodermic accessory glands consist of muscle-lined epithelial cells which have wide subcuticular cavities, lined with microvilli. The electron-transparent secretions from these glands are first extruded into the cavities and then forced out through small pores of the cuticle into the gland lumen. Secretions from the two types of accessory glands then flow into the ejaculatory duct, which is highly muscular, with epithelial cells rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and lined with a thick, deeply invaginated cuticle. While there are some notable differences, reproductive accessory glands of male Q-flies generally resemble those of the olive fruitfly, Bactrocera oleae, and to a lesser extent the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata.     

Functional morphology of the mammiliform penial glands ofLittorina saxatilis (Gastropoda)

Summary The functional morphology of the mammiliform penial glands ofLittorina saxatilis has been investigated with both light and electron microscopy. These penial glands line the ventral edge of the penis and orient with the female mantle during copulation. Secretions are released from the penial glands to this interface where they probably function in adhesion. The penial gland secretions comprise heterogeneous granules as well as apocrine and mucous secretions. The heterogeneous granules are produced in separate multicellular glands arranged in a series of lobes that lie outside a thick smooth muscle layer enclosing the lumen. Each glandular lobe is surrounded by a thin layer of smooth muscle. Secretions are transported in individual cellular processes that pass through the thick smooth muscle layer and empty into the lumen. Surrounding the lumen is an epithelium containing apocrine secretory cells as well as occasional goblet-type, mucous cells. The combined action of the muscles forces secretions out of the lumen through the penial papilla, onto the external surface of the mammiliform penial gland. Longitudinal muscles extend into the penial papilla enabling its protrusion or retraction. Retraction of the penial papilla following secretion release is thought to create negative pressure beneath the penial gland producing suction adhesion. The visco-elastic properties of the penial gland secretion are qualitatively different from foot mucus and may represent specialization to an adhesive function.     

扬子鳄皮肤腺结构与发育的初步观察

扬子鳄有三种皮肤腺:背腺、泄殖腔麝腺和下颌腺。背腺位于背中线左右两侧第二行鳞片下方,其确切位置个体间差异很大,如表1。幼鳄背腺形态多种多样,但显示出是一种退化器官,未观察到腺开口,也未观察到半成鳄和成鳄的背腺,因此扬子鳄背腺可能不具功能。泄殖腔麝腺位于泄殖腔腹唇内,梨形,腺管开口于泄殖腔腹壁,成体腺腔很大,腺的底部壁较厚,腺细胞明显地分成若干小叶,其它部位壁较薄,小叶不明显,属全泌腺,分泌油脂物,繁殖期特别发达,但性未成熟个体亦具功能,是一种信息素下颌腺位于下颌后方两侧皮肤内,圆柱状,脉管开口于下颌腹侧皮肤表面,成体腺腔不规则,腺壁厚,从包囊到腺腔,腺细胞可明显地分成三个区,属全泌腺,分泌油脂物,在繁殖期特别发达,此腺到性成熟才具功能。     

Autoradiographic observations on the incorporation of amino acids into oesophageal,gastric and pancreatic glands in the leopard frog,Rana pipiens

Summary The uptake and incorporation of L-³H-leucine and L-³H-serine in the oesophageal, gastric and pancreatic exocrine glands of Rana pipiens was examined using light microscopic autoradiographic techniques. At 1/2 h, 1 1/2 h and 3 h following injections of amino acids, silver grains are observed over the basal region of the cells comprising the glands. At 6 h after injection, silver grains occur over the apical region of the cells and by 24 h the grains can be observed over the cytoplasm of the cells adjacent to the lumen of the glands, collecting ducts, oesophagus and stomach. These observations indicate that the amino acids are being incorporated into proteins that are then discharged into the lumen of the pancreatic ducts, oesophagus and stomach. The secretory picture observed in the oesophageal glands closely resembles that of the gastric glands. This autoradiographic study supports the suggestion that the two glands are homologous and that they both secrete pepsinogen granules.     

Failure to produce axon reflex-sweating in the volar skin of Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) and crab-eating monkey (Macaca irus)

The functional properties of the sweat glands and their innervation in the volar skin of three Japanese monkeys and two crab-eating monkeys were investigated. The sweat glands responded to both cholinomimetic and adrenomimetic agents, the former being highly predominant in the sudorific effect. Spontaneous emotional sweating was strongly or completely inhibited by atropine at 10(-8)-10(-7) g/ml, but not by dihydroergotamine at 10(-5)-10(-4) g/ml. Axon reflex sweating could not be produced by nicotine at 10(-5)-10(-4) g/ml in all of primates tested. The nerve fibers surrounding the sweat glands were histochemically confirmed to contain both acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase.     

Sweating in the intact horse and isolated perfused horse skin

1. In intact horses, heat-induced sweating occurred initially as pulses, then as a continuous, synchronously fluctuating discharge. 2. I.V. adrenaline (Adr) induced sweating immediately; isoprenaline (Isop) elicited sweating after a delay; and phenylephrine (PhE) had no sudorific effect. 3. In isolated perfused skin, PhE induced an immediate small sweat discharge, Isop a slower sustained output and Adr a biphasic discharge. alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists blocked the first and second phases, respectively, of Adr-induced sweating. 4. The observed sweating patterns are consistent with independent activation of alpha-adrenergic myoepithelium and beta-adrenergic secretory cells in the sweat glands. 5. Microcirculatory changes apparently also influenced sweat discharge.     

Freeze-fracture study of the junctional complexes of human and rabbit thyroid follicles

Summary Zonulae occludentes, gap junctions and desmosomes have been demonstrated in replicas of freeze-fractured follicular cells of normal human and rabbit thyroid glands. The zonulae occludentes between the human follicular cells are composed of two to eight strands, which completely separate the intercellular space from the follicular lumen. Four to twelve or more strands are visible between the follicular cells of the rabbit thyroid gland.In the meshes of the zonulae occludentes as well as below them, gap junctions are present. They are numerous on the fracture faces of the human follicular cell membranes, but infrequent in those of the rabbit.Aggregates of particles related to desmosomes are found in the deeper meshes of the zonulae occludentes or close to them.