1. Histochemical localization of sialic acids and antimicrobial substances in eccrine glands of porcine snout skin
K Fukui, T Yasui, H Gomi, H Sugiya, O Fujimori, W Meyer, A Tsukise Eur J Histochem. 2012 Feb 9;56(1):e6. doi: 10.4081/ejh.2012.e6.
The distribution of sialic acids and antimicrobial products (lysozyme, IgA, lactoferrin, β-defensin 2) as well as Rab3D in the eccrine glands of porcine snout skin was studied by sialoglycoconjugate histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The secretory epithelium consisted of two types of secretory cells: dark and clear cells. The dark cells exhibited considerable amounts of sialoglycoconjugates, which included O-acetylated sialic acids, whereas sialic acids in the sequence Siaα2-3Gal1-4GlcNAc were confined to some of the dark cells. All antimicrobial substances and Rab3D were demonstrated to be also mainly present in some of the dark cells. Additionally, in the cytological and cytochemical features, the different characteristics were observed among the dark cells. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the functional significance of the eccrine glands. The secretory products elaborated by this gland type may function as protective agents in order to preserve the skin integrity of the snout region, considering that sialic acids and antimicrobial substances are important in general defense mechanisms.
2. Functional properties of feline foot pads as studied by lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical methods
Tadashi Yasui, Takayuki Nara, Isao Habata, Wilfried Meyer, Azuma Tsukise Acta Histochem. 2010 Mar;112(2):169-77. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2008.10.004. Epub 2008 Dec 17.
The localization of sialic acids and antimicrobial substances in the foot pads of the cat was examined by lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The lectin binding patterns of the eccrine glands were suggestive of the existence of large concentrations of sialoglycoconjugates that terminated in Siaalpha2-3Gal1-4GlcNAc. Results were consistent with localization of O-linked (mucin-type) sialoglycoproteins with the Siaalpha2-6Gal/GalNAc sequence in the epidermal layers, especially the stratum spinosum. Additionally, antimicrobial peptides, such as lysozyme, secretory component, lactoferrin, and the peptide group of beta-defensins were demonstrated to be immunolocalised in the eccrine glandular cells. These substances, except for secretory component, were also distributed in the epidermal strata. The sialic acids and antimicrobial substances found in the eccrine glandular secretions and epidermis may play an essential role in the preservation of skin integrity in feline foot pads.
3. Histochemical distribution of sialic acids and antimicrobial substances in porcine carpal glands
Kousuke Fukui, Tadashi Yasui, Hiroshi Gomi, Hiroshi Sugiya, Osamu Fujimori, Wilfried Meyer, Azuma Tsukise Arch Dermatol Res. 2012 Oct;304(8):599-607. doi: 10.1007/s00403-012-1226-4. Epub 2012 Mar 20.
The localization of sialic acids and antimicrobial products (lysozyme, IgA, lactoferrin, β-defensin 2) as well as Rab3D in the carpal glands of pig was studied by sialoglycoconjugate histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The secretory epithelium of the carpal glands consisted of dark and clear cells. The dark cells of these glands exhibited high levels of sialoglycoconjugates, including O-acetylated sialic acids, whereas the localization of sialic acids linked to α2-3Gal1-4GlcNAc was confined to a subpopulation of the dark cells. Furthermore, all antimicrobial substances and Rab3D were mainly detectable in a subpopulation of the dark cells. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the functional significance of these glands. Our findings suggested that Rab3D is involved in the secretory regulation of sialoglycoconjugates and antimicrobial substances. These secretory products may create a defensive barrier against microbial invasion and play an essential role in the preservation of skin integrity.
