Lectin histochemical study of the quill sebaceous gland in the dorsal skin of the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Abstract

Abstract. Prawira AY, Novelina S, Farida WR, Darusman HS, Agungpriyono S. 2019. Lectin histochemical study of the quill sebaceous gland in the dorsal skin of the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica). Biodiversitas 20: 2677-2684. In the Sunda Porcupine skin, the sebaceous glands of the quill follicles are multi-lobed alveolar and better developed than those of hair follicles. Using lectin histochemistry, we have studied the distribution of sugar-binding in the sebaceous glands of quills in comparison with those of hairs in six adult Sunda Porcupines. The skin samples from the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions were collected by biopsy procedure and processed for histology, histochemistry, and lectin histochemistry. The results showed that the lectin binding patterns are similar in secretory acinar parts of both types of sebaceous glands. The acini and excretory duct contained neutral carbohydrate and sugar residues. The acini also contained alpha D-mannose sugar residue, while the non-secretory excretory duct and debris in the lumen contained alpha-D-mannose, alpha-L-fucose, and α>β-N-acetylgalactosamine, and complex type N-glycan (oligosaccharide) sugar residues, as well. The present findings allowed us to suggest, that in Sunda Porcupine functions of the sebaceous glands of quills are more complex and active compared to those of the hairs.

Determination of thick and thin fibres distribution in Sunda porcupine dorsal skin (Hystrix javanica) using Picrosirius red staining

“…They are also the dominant structure in the skin of the Sunda porcupine. Histological examination has shown that quill follicles are composed of connective tissue of various densities, an abundance of fat tissue, well‐developed sebaceous glands, erector muscles and an epidermal lining (Prawira et al, 2019; Prawira, Hanadhita, et al, 2018; Prawira, Novelina, et al, 2018). The arrangement of quill follicles, connective, erector and subcutaneous muscles in the skin play an important role in quill erection and contribute to the defence mechanism of the porcupine (Chapman & Roze, 1997; Zherebtsova, 2000).…”

Antibacterial activity of Sunda porcupine quill extract (Hystrix javanica) against Staphylococcus aureus

“…The fatty acid components from the porcupine's skin are present in the quills and have an antibacterial effect since they are obtained from the skin (Prawira et al, 2018). In addition, the sebaceous glands in porcupine quill follicles, which are oil glands, are reported to be significantly larger than hair oil glands (Prawira et al, 2019). The large size will release large amounts of oil into the porcupine quills so that oil and other lipids will be present on the surface of the quills and skin.…”

Morphological investigation of intestine structure of the Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

“…There is also no published study about the intestinal structure, but that of its distant relatives, such as the African porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), has been studied by van Jaarsveld (1983), andvan Jaarsveld andKnight-Eloff (1984). Apart from its special skin characteristics due to the quill (Prawira et al 2018(Prawira et al , 2019(Prawira et al , 2022, the digestive system of Sunda porcupine needs to be studied to identify the morphological adaptation to the feeding diet. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the intestinal structure of the Sunda porcupine as an important part of its digestive system.…”