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Morphology and glycoconjugate histochemistry of the eccrine glands in the snout skin of the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor)

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Abstract

The eccrine nasolabial glands were found in the hypodermis of the nasal plane in the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor). In addition to light and electron microscopic observations, the distribution and selectivity of complex glycoconjugates in the eccrine tubular glands of the raccoon snout skin were studied using various histochemical methods, particularly lectin staining. The secretory epithelium and the luminal secretions exhibited high amounts of glycoconjugates with various saccharide residues (α-D-mannose, α-L-fucose, β-D-galactose, β-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, sialic acid). The excretory duct cells also showed positive reactions with most of the histochemical methods applied. The results are discussed with regard to possible functions of the glandular secretions. The complex glycoconjugates that are produced by the eccrine nasolabial glands may be related to moistening of the skin surface as well as protecting the epidermis against physical damage or microbial contamination. This is the first report on the glands in the snout skin of carnivores.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-8510, Japan

    Tadashi Yasui & Azuma Tsukise

  2. Anatomisches Institut, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany

    Wilfried Meyer

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  1. Tadashi Yasui
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  2. Azuma Tsukise
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  3. Wilfried Meyer
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Correspondence to Azuma Tsukise.

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Yasui, T., Tsukise, A. & Meyer, W. Morphology and glycoconjugate histochemistry of the eccrine glands in the snout skin of the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor). Arch Dermatol Res 296, 482–488 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-004-0539-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-004-0539-3

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