An ultrastructural study of periderm granules in the regenerating feather of the jungle fowl

Summary Periderm granules in the support cells of regenerating feathers of mature male Jungle Fowls were studied ultrastructurally and histochemically. Histochemical results showed the absence of carbohydrate and lipid, and the presence of protein in the periderm granules. The periderm granules were measured at successive levels of feather regeneration. The mean size of the periderm granules increased significantly as the regenerating feather matured, and this observation was suggestive of a storage function, perhaps of surplus or waste protein. The cells in which the periderm granules are found also contain glycogen. There are numerous desmosomal junctions on their interdigitating plasma membranes. These transient cells may collect waste, provide nutrition, and serve as a protective barrier for the definitive cells of the regenerating feather.