The distribution of substance P-, CGRP-, galanin-and ANP-like immunoreactive nerves in human sweat glands

Summary The distribution in immunoreactivities towards atrial natriuretic peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, galanin and substance P were demonstrated in human skin at the light and electron microscopic levels. Nerves immunoreactive to the first three of these peptides were found around eccrine sweat glands, whereas only a few positively-labelled nerve fibres could be seen around apocrine glands. At the ultrastructural level, immunoreactivity to the neuropeptides was localized in the large dense-cored vesicles of the nerve terminals. No immunoreactivity to substance P could be detected around sweat glands. In addition to these findings, the four types of immunoreactivity were seen in the thick preterminal nerve bundles.     

Localization of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in human sweat glands: an immunohistochemical study using a monoclonal antibody

We studied the distribution of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) by use of a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against human kidney gamma-GT in human sweat glands. In the eccrine sweat gland, the enzyme was localized along the luminal membrane and small apocrine extrusions of the superficial cells of the secretory portion. The intercellular canaliculi between basal cells were occasionally immunoreactive. In the secretory portion of the apocrine gland, luminal membrane and apocrine extrusions of various sizes and stages at the apices of the secretory cells exhibited positive reactions. Immunoreaction was also seen in the Golgi area of the cuboidal secretory cells. No positive reaction was observed in the myoepithelial cells of either gland or in the excretory duct cells.     

Cutaneous eccrine glands of the foot pads of the small Madagascan tenrec (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinops telfairi,</Emphasis> Insectivora,Tenrecidae): skin glands in a primitive mammal

In order to find correlations between skin gland morphology and specific ethological features, the cutaneous glands of the foot pads of the primitive mammal the Madagascan tenrec, Echinops telfairi, were studied by histological and various histochemical methods as well as by electron microscopy. In the foot pads specific eccrine skin glands occurred consisting of coiled ducts and tubular secretory portions, the lumina of which were considerably wider than in primate sweat glands. The secretory tubules were composed of branched myoepithelial cells and glandular cells. The latter contained abundant mitochondria, large amounts of glycogen particles and few secretory granules as well as individual heterolysosomes and myelin bodies. The lateral cell membrane was marked by extensive interdigitations. The apical membranes of all glandular cells contained proteoglycans with sulfated and carboxylated groups containing N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, galactose and mannose. The expression pattern of cytokeratins of the glandular epithelium was variable and showed similarities to that of the human eccrine glands. Tubulin, vinculin and actin were expressed in the glandular epithelium. The secretory cells showed positive reactions with antibodies against antimicrobial peptides and IgA. A positive reaction was observed with antibodies against the androgen receptor. The PCNA and TUNEL reactions indicated that the tubular skin glands of Echinops are made up of a slowly renewing tissue. We conclude that the glands fulfill several functions: production of a fluid-rich secretory product, which may prevent slipping of the foot pads on the substrate during running or climbing, secretion of antimicrobial peptides and proteins, and playing a role in thermoregulation.We thank the Fendt Foundation for financial support     

Location and ultrastructure of sex pheromone glands in female Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae)

The ultrastructure of the female sex pheromone glands in Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera : Bruchidae) were localized using a masking technique, combined with eiectro-antennography and by a comparison of the glandular cells of sexually active (flightless) females and non-sexually active (flight-form) females. Each unicellular gland is an invagination of the integumental membrane capped by a single secretory cell. These glands are situated on the fine intersegmental membrane, which joins the pygidium to the ovipositor. The secretory cells of the glands of active females are characterized by well-developed microvilli, with many elongated mitochondria among the latter. The high metabolic activity of these cells is revealed by the presence of heterogeneous secretion vesicles, some of which contain abundant crystallized material. Deep basal invaginations indicate the uptake of substances from the haemolymph. The receptor canal is a network of fine cuticular filaments which have the same structure regardless of the female's sexual status. Cells from the glands of non-sexually active females are underdeveloped and show no invaginations of the basal membrane and very few microvilli. The localization of these glands was made possible by the use of SEM, TEM and EAG as well as by masking the suspected zones and by comparing females in different physiological states: flightless females, which were sexually active and producing pheromones; and flight-form females, non-sexually active and producing no sex pheromones. Only by adopting such a stringent method was it possible to confirm the function of the glands whose ultrastructure was studied.     

黑龙江草蜥消化道5-羟色胺免疫活性内分泌细胞的分布与形态学观察

应用5-HT抗血清,以ABC(avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex)免疫组织化学方法,对黑龙江草蜥(Takydromus amurensis)消化道内5-HT免疫反应阳性内分泌细胞的分布及形态进行了观察。结果显示：5-HT阳性细胞从食管到直肠的消化道各段均有分布。细胞分布密度呈波浪式,食管、胃幽门部和回肠是其细胞分布密度的高峰。5-HT阳性细胞的形态呈圆形、椭圆形、锥体形、梭形等,其中以圆形和椭圆形为主;广泛分布于上皮基部、上皮细胞之间、腺泡上皮及腺泡之间,有时可见于固有膜内。因此作者认为5-HT阳性细胞具有内、外、旁分泌三种作用途径并且它的密度分布可能与其食性、生活环境等有关。     

Ultrastructural study of the mental body of Hydromantes genei (Amphibia: Plethodontidae)

The mental glands of Hydromantes genei are considered a specialized form of the urodele serous cutaneous glands. Use of a variety of techniques of maceration and digestion as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has shown the three-dimensional morphology of secretory and myoepithelial cells. Secretory cells are pyramidal and rest on an almost continuous layer of myoepithelial cells. The latter have a long ribbon-like body from which branch off transversal and longitudinal processes with swallow-tailed ends. Cytoplasmic processes of secretory cells, containing irregular dense vesicles, squeeze through clefts between myoepithelial cells and may reach, at some points, the basal lamina. The interstices between myoepithelium and secretory cells are extraordinarily rich in nerve endings with clear vesicles. The glandular outlets appear as elliptical stomata in the superficial layer of the epidermis and are lined by horny cells, which invaginate to circumscribe the excretory duct. The morphological results indicate that the myoepithelium of Plethodontidae mental glands differ in some respects from that of amphibian serous cutaneous glands. A double polarity for the secretory cells is also suggested. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Androgen receptor expression in human tissues: an immunohistochemical study.

The cellular localization of the human androgen receptor was visualized immunohistochemically using a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) F39.4, directed against a fragment of the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor. The nuclear immunoreactivity of various human tissues with F39.4 was generally consistent with earlier biochemical and autoradiographic data. However, previously suggested androgen receptor expression in thyroid, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and bladder tissues was not confirmed immunohistochemically. Stratified squamous epithelia of vagina and cervix showed selective immunostaining of the basal cell layer, whereas in the preputial epithelium the intensity of immunoreactivity decreased gradually with maturation. In contrast, glandular epithelia of the sweat glands, male accessory sex organs, and female breast showed nearly exclusive F39.4 staining of the inner cylindric layer. In the testis, Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and interstitial cells were immunoreactive with MAb F39.4. Expression of the androgen receptor by smooth muscle tissue was largely confined to the male reproductive organs. The specificity and sensitivity of this simple and rapidly performed immunohistochemical technique in the detection of the human androgen receptor at the cellular and subcellular level makes it worthwhile to study tissue androgen receptor expression by immunohistochemistry in physiological and pathological states.     

The fine structure of the tarsal glands of the honeybee Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera)

Summary Tarsal glands are located in the 6th tarsomere of adult honeybee queens, workers and drones. Their structural features are not cast or sex specific. The glandular epithelium is lined by a thin endocuticular layer. A cuticular pocket is formed from a postimaginal delamination of the cuticle secreted by the glandular epithelium. The apical plasma membrane of the glandular cells shows numerous cristae and microvilli lining large crypts that communicate with the subcuticular space. Pinocytotic vesicles, multivesicular bodies and residual dense bodies are present in the apical part of the glandular cells. The RER is well developed in perinuclear and basal parts of the glandular cells, but the Golgi apparatus is a discrete organelle without secretory granules. No exocytotic secretory structures were observed. To reach the glandular pocket, the non-proteinaceous secretory product must pass across the subcuticular space, the cuticular intima, the space between the intima and the cuticular wall, and the cuticular wall of the glandular pocket.     

Melatonin administration induced reactivation in the seminal gland of the soay rams during non‐breeding season: An ultrastructural and morphometrical study

Fifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end‐pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal‐ like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep. J. Morphol. 277:231–243, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Immunohistochemical localization of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in normal skin and skin cancers

Summary Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor is a 22-kDa glycoprotein that was originally identified as a secreted product of cultured human macrophages. Although the growth factor mRNA has been identified in various cells and tissues, the tissue distribution of the protein itself has rarely been demonstrated. In this study, the EGF-like growth factor was detected immunohistochemically in a variety of human skin samples by indirect immunofluorescence using a polyclonal rabbit antiserum raised against residues 26–41 of mature heparin-binding EGF. The keratinocytes of a variety of epithelium-derived structures demonstrated reproducible, specific staining for the EGF. In normal tissues, this staining was prominent in the basal cells of the epidermis and in the epithelial cells lining epidermal appendages such as hair follicles, sebaceous sweat glands and eccrine sweat glands. In addition, specific staining was detected in skin cancers derived from the basal epithelial cell layer, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, with no staining detected in melanoma specimens. Immunoreactive heparin-binding EGF was characteristically associated with the surface of cells. With minor exceptions, the immunoreactive sites are identical to the known EGF receptor distribution in the skin, and suggest that keratinocyte-derived heparin-binding EGF may act in concert with other EGF family members in processes such as skin morphogenesis and wound repair, as well as in the development of skin cancers This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

SD大鼠与巴马小型猪的皮肤组织学比较

目的研究及观察SD大鼠和巴马小型猪皮肤的正常比较组织学。方法取SD大鼠和巴马小型猪不同部位的皮肤进行石蜡切片、HE染色,光学显微镜观察。结果两种动物的皮肤组织学结构在以下方面存在着显著差异：1.SD大鼠的毛囊成簇分布,平均3～9成群,而巴马小型猪的毛囊较稀少;2.SD大鼠表皮较薄,没有透明层,基底细胞缺乏异质性,真皮与表皮连接面平坦,没有皮钉;而在巴马小型猪皮肤表皮和真皮连接区,有上下交错的表皮皮钉和真皮乳头;3.SD大鼠的真皮结构相对松散,真皮血管系统不发达,而巴马小型猪皮肤的真皮网织层和乳头层交界的地方,水平分布着很多的浅表小静脉和小动脉丛,这种血管分布的方式与人类皮肤中的血管分布极为类似;4.SD大鼠的汗腺只局限于足垫的皮肤,汗腺上皮只有一种细胞类型,腺细胞呈立方形或矮柱状,胞核圆形,导管短而弯曲,由两层上皮细胞组成。而巴马小型猪皮肤的汗腺是顶泌汗腺,分布于真皮和脂肪相接的真皮深层,分泌部为粗管,管腔大,盘曲成团。腺细胞呈立方形或扁平,胞核圆形或长梭形。腺细胞与基膜之间也有肌上皮细胞。导管较细而直,开口于毛囊上段。     

The uterovaginal sperm host glands of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Summary Ultrastructural and ultrahistochemical studies were performed on the uterovaginal sperm host glands of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The proximal parts of the glandular necks are lined by a pseudostratified epithelium, consisting of high columnar ciliated cells and small, irregular shaped, basal cells.The true glandular epithelium is composed only of columnar cells with microvilli on their luminal end. A characteristic luminal feature is a large lipid droplet in the perinuclear region. In the subplasmalemmal region numerous tubular profiles are seen which could represent a cellular resorption system.To evaluate the absorptive capacity of the Uterovaginal sperm host glands, tracer studies with HRP, ferritin, lanthanum and ruthenium red were undertaken. Since between 5 min and 3 h after injection no absorption could be found with the techniques mentioned, it is suggested that phagocytosis of spermatozoa by the glandular epithelium is not likely to occur.     

Specific localization of hepatic fatty acid-binding protein in the gastric brush cells of rats

Summary An immunocytochemical study by light- and electron microscopy using the antibody against rat hepatic fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) revealed the brush cells in the gastric epithelium of rats to be intensely immunoreactive. The immunoreactive cells were present in a group in the distal wall of the groove between forestomach and glandular stomach, as well as scattered singly in the surface and foveolar epithelia of the glandular stomach. Almost all immunoreactive brush cells had a thin basal process in contact with the basement membrane. No secretory granules with dense cores, similar to those of endocrine cells, were observed in the brush cells. The specific appearance of FABP-immunoreactivity in the brush cell indicates that this cell type is a distinct entity from other epithelial cells in the stomach and that FABP is a useful histochemical marker of the brush cells. FABP may be involved in the specific function(s) of this cell type related to fatty acid metabolism.     

PACAP activated adenylate cyclase in human sweat glands. An ultracytochemical study

The ultracytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase (AC) was studied after stimulation with pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) in human sweat glands. PACAP stimulated AC in both eccrine and apocrine glands. In the secretory cells, enzymatic activity was associated with membranes involved in the secretory mechanism. In both glands, the cells of the excretory duct and myoepithelial cells presented AC activity. These localizations of enzymatic activity suggest a role for PACAP in regulating glandular secretion.     

The salt glands of Tamarix usneoides E. Mey. ex Bunge (South African Salt Cedar)

Tamarix usneoides is a halophyte tree endemic to south-western Africa. This species is known to excrete a range of ions from specialized glandular structures on its leaves. To understand the mechanisms involved in the transport, sequestration and excretion of ions by the glands, a study was performed on salt gland distribution and ultrastructure. The glands are vesiculated trichomes, comprised of eight cells viz. two basal collecting cells and six excretory cells, partially bounded by a secondary cell wall that could serve as an impermeable barrier, forcing excess ions to move from the apoplast of the surrounding tissue into the cytoplasm of the basal excretory cells. It was hypothesized that the ions are moved across the excretory cells in endocytotic vesicles that fuse with the plasmalemma or form junctional complexes, allowing ion movement from one excretory cell to the next. In the apical cell, the vesicles fuse with the plasmalemma, releasing the ions into the network of cell wall ingrowths which channel the ions to the outside surface of the cell. This study shows that there are distinct structural adaptations for the processing of ions for excretion, although the mechanism by which ions enter the cells still needs to be determined.     

Ultrastructure of reproductive accessory glands in the female sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead (Diptera : Psychodidae)

The paired female accessory glands of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera : Psychodidae) were investigated by light microscopy, and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These glands undergo morphological and functional changes during oocyte development. After the blood meal, the monostratified glandular epithelium differentiates and starts to secrete. Well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, and membrane-bounded exocytic vesicles suggest that these secretory cells are involved in protein synthesis. As the secretory cells differentiate, the glandular lumen increases in size and fills with secretory material, consisting of globular granules of different sizes in an amorphous electron-dense matrix. The granules have an electron-translucent core and an electron-dense cortex. The morphological characteristics of the glandular epithelium and the functional role of the glands are discussed in relation to their possible contribution to the reproductive process.     

Immunohistochemical detection of mammary tumor virus antigens in sweat and sebaceous glands of mice

Mammary tumor virus (MTV) antigens in both sexes of GRS/A, SHN and C3H mice were examined in the sweat and sebaceous glands by immunoperoxidase technique using antiserum against gp52, envelope protein, or p27, core protein. Balb/c mice were used for reciprocal foster nursing with these inbreds to discriminate the expression of endogenous MTV from that of exogenous MTV. Both antigens were first detected around the age of 4 months in the sweat glands of mice with endogenous GR- or SHN- MTV. A linear staining of gp52 was seen along the luminal borders of glandular cells, and the reaction products for gp52 were demonstrated on the apical cell membranes, where no virion could be seen ultrastructurally. A diffuse staining of p27 was found in the cytoplasm of some glandular cells, where MTV particles could not be detected. In the sebaceous gland of the same mice, however, only p27 was first detected at the age of 60 days. A dot-like staining of p27 was found in the perinuclear region of some glandular cells, where an aggregation of intracytoplasmic A particles could be seen under an electron microscope. These positive stainings were unrelated to sex. In such skin appendages of all examined C3H mice and Balb/c mice with GR- or SHN- MTV, no antigen expression could be seen up to the age of 500 days. Therefore, some genes might be able to regulate the expression of endogenous MTV antigens in the skin appendages, while their glandular cells would have no receptor for exogenous MTV, namely the so-called "milk factor".     

Distribution of hyaluronan and its CD44 receptor in the epithelia of human skin appendages.

Biotinylated hyaluronan (HA) binding complex (HABC) from bovine articular cartilage proteoglycan was used as a histological probe to study the localization of HA in human skin. The distribution of HA was compared with its presumptive cell surface receptor, CD44, using monoclonal antibodies. In epidermis both HA and CD44 were found in the basal and spinous cell layers, but neither was present in the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. In the keratinizing parts of hair follicles, i.e. in the outer and inner epidermal root sheath, pilosebaceous duct and the actual hair, HA and CD44 were found between the vital but not the terminally differentiated cells. In the sebaceous glands a small amount of HA was found around all cells, whereas CD44 was restricted to the basal cell layer. The secretory acini of the sweat glands stained intensively with anti-CD44 antibodies but only weakly with HABC. In the sweat gland, CD44 was localized on the basal and lateral surfaces of the clear cells, whereas the dark cells and the myoepithelial cells were negative. Both the lower and upper layers of the sweat gland ducts showed a faint but constant staining for CD44 and only minor amounts of HA. While in the keratinizing skin epithelia both HA and its CD44 receptor showed an intense staining with a close co-distribution, in the sweat and sebaceous glands their distribution patterns were not similar. It is suggested that in epithelia with divergent differentiation programs the functions of CD44 and HA may be different.     

Time course of differentiation of different cell types in 3D-reconstructed eccrine sweat glands

Epidermal basal cells invaginate into the dermis to form sweat ducts, which then grow downwards further to form secretory coils during the ontogenesis of eccrine sweat glands, but the time course of differentiation of different cell types in 3D-reconstructed eccrine sweat glands remain unclear. In this study, secretory cell-specific marker K7, clear secretory cell-specific marker CA II, dark secretory cell-specific marker GCDFP-15, myoepithelial cell-specific marker α-SMA, inner duct cell-specific marker S100P and outer duct cell-specific marker S100A2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that S100P and S100A2 were first detected at 2 weeks post implantation, K7 and α-SMA at 3 weeks, and GCDFP-15 and CA II at 4 weeks. The differentiation of ducts preceded secretory coils in 3D-reconstructed eccrine sweat glands. After 8 weeks post implantation, the distribution of these markers in 3D-reconstructed eccrine sweat glands was similar to that in native ones, and the percentage of the 3D-reconstructed glands expressing these markers maintained steady. We conclude that although the 3D-reconstructed and native eccrine sweat glands originated from different cells, the differentiation of different cell types in 3D-reconstructed eccrine sweat glands parallels the sequence observed during embryonic development.