A short history of sweat gland biology

Abstract

Synopsis The axilla, especially its microflora and axillary sweat glands as well as their secretions, is the main target of cosmetic compositions such as deodorants or antiperspirants. There are three types of sweat glands present in the axillary skin, namely apocrine, eccrine and apoeccrine sweat glands. Here, we provide an overview of the morphological, structural and functional characteristics of the different gland types and present techniques that allow their clear distinction. Moreover, we describe different forms of perspiration as physical reactions to external and internal stimuli.

Sweat Gland Progenitors in Development, Homeostasis, and Wound Repair

“…In contrast, the apocrine sweat gland is an appendage of the hair follicle and releases fluid through the follicle orifice. Moreover, apocrine sweat glands release an oily substance by shearing off cell parts as necrobiotic secretions (Sato et al 1989a;Wilke et al 2007). A third type of sweat gland, termed apoeccrine sweat gland, has been reported to exist in axillae areas of the human body (Sato et al 1987), but, to date, this remains unsubstantiated.…”

The search for human pheromones: the lost decades and the necessity of returning to first principles

“…[63]). Both situations, sexual or fearful, would lead to emotional release from armpit apocrine glands [64] and we currently do not know if the secretions differ between the situations [5]. Female tears are reported in one study to affect men's blood testosterone levels but the biological significance or relevance is not clear [65].…”

Adult Gland Derived Stem Cells (Gdscs); Potentials, Hurdles and Expectations

“…In contrast, the apocrine sweat glands, which are present in hairy areas, are appendages of the hair follicle and release their fluid through the follicle's orifice. In addition, apocrine sweat glands shed off their necrotic cell parts in the form of an oily substance [58,59].…”