On the fine structure of horse sweat glands

Abstract

Sweat glands from different representative areas of the horse have been studied in 6 animals with light microscopy and the intermandibular and coccygeal regions from 2 animals with electron microscopy. The sweat glands were numerous and well developed in all areas examined. The columnar cells, dominated by secretory PAS-positive diastase resistant vesicles, were surrounded by myoepithelial cells resting on a well developed basal lamina. The cytoplasmic organelles characteristic for cells involved in secretion were present. The extensively folded basal plasma membrane, the numerous microvilli at the luminal border and the intraepithelial canaliculi lined with microvilli were morphological structures typical of cells involved in water and electrolyte transport. The observation of cytoplasmic protrusions were suggestive of apocrine secretion. © 1973 Springer-Verlag.