Aspects of glycoconjugate production and lysozyme- and defensins-expression of the ceruminous glands of the horse ( Equus przewalskii f. dom.)

Abstract

The distribution of complex glycoconjugates and antimicrobial substances in the ceruminous glands of the horse (Equus przewalskii f. dom., type: pony) was studied using carbohydrate histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The epithelial cells and luminal secretion of these glands exhibited considerable amounts of glycoconjugates with various saccharide residues, such as alpha-D-mannose, alpha-L-fucose, beta-D-galactose, beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and sialic acid, including O-acetylated sialic acid. Several sugars (alpha-D-mannose, alpha-L-fucose, and beta-D-galactose) were also detectable in the secretion of sebaceous glands present. Additionally, lysozyme and the peptide group of beta-defensins are demonstrated as products of the apocrine ceruminous glands and sebaceous glands. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the functional significance of the glandular secretions. It is suggested that the complex carbohydrates, lysozyme and beta-defensins found in the ceruminous gland secretions are involved in the function of cerumen as a general antimicrobial protective agent in the external auditory canal.

Demonstration of lysozyme and antimicrobial peptides in the temporal gland of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

“…Regarding the last aspect, the present study concentrates on the fact that such glands, as typically related to the hair complex of the common integument of mammals, have been demonstrated to produce different antimicrobial substances (Meyer et al 2003). This ability is also known from the apocrine tubular glands of specific body regions in mammals (Ezoe and Katsumata 1990;Stoeckelhuber et al 2004;Yasui et al 2005). The findings corroborate the view that the immune system has developed a special integumental subsystem to bind all possible microbial invaders and their products, to present them and to rapidly eliminate them (Schroeder 1999;Bos et al 2001;Yang et al 2001;Meyer and Seegers 2004).…”

Demonstration of β-glucan receptors in the skin of aquatic mammals—a preliminary report

“…The positive reaction staining for β-glucan receptors, particularly in the skin glands (L-Ficolin/P35, MBL, Dectin-1), but also in the outer epithelial sheath of the hair follicles and in the epidermis (L-Ficolin/P35, MBL) corroborate the supposed lectin activities of opsonizing the production of immunobiologically relevant substances, which may include cationic antimicrobial peptides and lysozyme in these integumental structures (Bos et al 2001;Yang et al 2001;Meyer et al 2003b;Stoeckelhuber et al 2004;Yasui et al 2005;Meyer 2007). L-Ficolin/P35 is expressed broadly, whereas MBL and Dectin-1, which are more anatomically restricted compared to the first substance, promote phagocytosis (of dermatophytes?)…”

Labial Salivary Glands in Infants

“…Using the method of immunohistochemistry, β-defensin-1 was constitutively expressed in different glandular structures such as the human mammary gland, 36 ceruminous gland, 27,37 and human glands of Moll. 38 Human β-defensin-1 mRNA was detected in minor salivary glands.…”