Isao Habata

Immunocytochemical localization of lysozyme and β-defensin in the apocrine glands of the equine scrotum

The present study revealed in detail the subcellular localization of lysozyme and β-defensin in the apocrine glands of the equine scrotal skin, a specific body region. The apocrine glandular cells were equipped with a varying number of secretory granules, a well-developed Golgi apparatus and abundant cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum within their cytoplasm. In these cells, reactive gold particles representing lysozyme were detectable in the secretory granules as well as the Golgi apparatus and elements of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Additionally, the antimicrobial peptide group of β-defensin was also localized in the above-mentioned ultrastructures of the secretory cells. The presence and secretion of such substances that may serve as a non-specific defense against microorganisms are suggestive of the protective effect of the secretory production elaborated by the apocrine glands.

Histochemistry of Sialoglycoconjugates in Goat Submandibular Glands

With 8 figures and 3 tables

Functional properties of feline foot pads as studied by lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical methods.

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.

Histochemistry of complex carbohydrates in the ceruminous glands of the goat.

The localization and chemical nature of complex carbohydrates in the ceruminous glands of the Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat were studied using light and electron microscopic histochemical methods, particularly lectin histochemistry. The epithelial cells and luminal secretion of the caprine ceruminous glands contained large amounts of neutral and smaller amounts of acidic glycoconjugates with different terminal sugars (α-d-mannose, α-l-fucose, α-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, β-d-galactose, β-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid). Several sugars (α-l-fucose, β-d-galactose, β-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid) were also detectable in the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the specific function of the glandular secretion mixture. The complex glycoconjugates found in the ceruminous gland secretion may control viscoelasticity of and bacterial proliferation within the cerumen in order to protect the external auditory canal against physical damage or microbial attacks.

Immunohistochemical aspects of anti-microbial properties in goat submandibular glands.

With 7 figures and 1 table

Ultrastructural localization of hyaluronic acid in the synovium of the goat knee joint

In the Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat, the synovial membrane contains synoviocytes referred to as type A (macrophage-like cells) and type B cells (fibroblast-like cells) in the intimal layer. Small capillaries and blood vessels of varying sizes were located in the extracellular matrix in the synovial subintima. The type A cells in the synovium possessed numerous vesicles, vacuoles and lysosomes as well as pinocytotic vesicles. These ultrastructural features indicating phagocytosis showed distinct positive reactions following hyaluronan staining. On the other hand, in the type B cells, hyaluronic acids were present in the surface coat of the plasma membrane and its periphery. Additionally, perivascular connective tissue of the small capillaries and blood vessels and interfibrous matrix contained hyaluronan. The results suggest that hyaluronic acid, in the synovial tissue, is synthesized on the plasma membrane of type B cells, and taken up by type A cells. Moreover, hyaluronan is involved in cellular functions in the synovial connective tissue.

Histochemical analyses of glycoconjugates and antimicrobial substances in goat labial glands

Saliva is known to protect the oral cavity and contains glycoproteins and antimicrobial substances. The distribution of these salivary secretions was studied in the labial glands of the Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat using lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The mucous acinar cells of the labial glands exhibited glycoconjugates with different saccharide residues, such as GalNAcα1-3GalNAc, Galβ1-4GalNAc, β-D-GlcNAc and sialic acid linked to α2-6Gal/GalNAc. Furthermore, α-D-Man, α-L-Fuc, α-D-GalNAc, β-D-Gal and sialic acid residues were present, in particular, in the serous demilunar cells. Antimicrobial substances (lysozyme, IgA, lactoferrin and β-defensin) were shown to be mainly immunolocalized in the serous demilunes and duct cells. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the functional role of labial glands. The secretory compounds demonstrated may play an important role in the maintenance of oral health with regard to saliva.