Histology, Lectin Histochemistry, and Ultrastructure of Interdigital Gland in Crossbred Sheep

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.