Localization of epidermal hyaluronan in the foot pads of the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Abstract

The localization of the epidermal hyaluronan in the digital foot pads of the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) was examined by light and electron microscopic histochemical methods. The thick epidermis contained five epidermal layers composed of typical keratinocytes. In the stratum basale and stratum spinosum, hyaluronic acid was clearly detectable at cytoplasmic processes, in close vicinity to the surface coat of the plasma membrane, and/or in the intercellular space between the basal and spinous cells. The results suggest that epidermal hyaluronan that fills the intercellular space may particularly control water maintenance in the epidermis of the raccoon digital pads to guarantee the optimal mechanoreceptive function of the very specific and sensitive sensoric subepidermal equipment in this mammalian species.