Abstract
The supracaudal gland of the red fox consists of both tubular “apocrine” sweat glands and massively developed sebaceous glands. The gland is characterized by a high level of histochemically demonstrable hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (particularly β-3β HSD) and by the presence of naturally fluorescent photolabile sebum constituents. Evidence suggests that these components may be carotenoid. Results are presented in the context of histological observations and are discussed in relation to scent production.
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Albone, E.S., Flood, P.F. The supracaudal scent gland of the red foxVulpes vulpes . J Chem Ecol 2, 167–175 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987739
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987739