Hydrolytic enzymes in the sebaceous glands of the domestic cat

Synopsis The distribution and activities of some hydrolytic enzymes in various portions of the sebaceous glands of the domestic cat have been studied. The results point to the outstanding importance of non-specific esterases and lipases for sebum production, which generally appears to be abundant in thickly-haired mammals. The activities of the lysosomal enzymes demonstrated were connected with autolytic processes during sebaceous gland cell differentiation. There was a strong arylsulphatase reaction in the sebum of the sebaceous gland excretory ducts.