Histology, Lectin Histochemistry, and Ultrastructure of Interdigital Gland in Crossbred Sheep
December 2020
New to collagen? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → 
Studysummary This study investigated the interdigital glands in sheep, highlighting their apocrine sweat glands' ultrastructural characteristics and positive lectin reaction, but reported no new clinical results.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study investigated the histology, lectin histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the interdigital gland in six adult crossbred sheep. The glands were fixed in formalin and processed for examination. Findings revealed that the interdigital gland was lined with stratified squamous epithelium and had a keratin layer similar to the skin on the dorsal surface of the limbs. The epidermis had mucosal folds, while the dermis contained sebaceous glands, hair follicles, arrector pili muscles, and apocrine sweat glands. The sweat glands' secretory epithelium was made up of a simple layer of cuboidal and flattened cells, and their excretory ducts were lined with darker cuboidal cells. The fibrous capsule of the gland included dense connective tissue, collagen, adipose cells, blood vessels, and nerve fibers. Lectin histochemistry showed a positive reaction for lectin Ulex europaeus in glandular secretion and granules in the stratum granulosum. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the apocrine nature of the sweat glands.
