Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
March 2018 Vol. 7(3): pp. 088-097
Copyright © 2018 Global Advanced Research Journals

 

Full Length Research Paper

Morphological and immunohistochemical studies  on the dromedary camel  poll gland in relation to reproductive activity

Zarroug Hassan Ibrahim^1*, Khalid Ali Al-kheraije¹,  Eltigani  Ahmed El-Tigani-Asil² 

 

¹College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, PO Box: 6622- Buraidah: 51452, KSA.

²Current Address: Department of pathology and Sample Management, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

*Corresponding Author's Email: zarrougibrahim@hotmail.com

Accepted 04 March, 2018

 

Abstract

The two poll glands are modified sweat glands resting close to each other on the dorsal side of the poll(neck) region behind the ear of camels (Camelusdromedarius).Their function has remained largely unknown, but they secrete a watery yellowish secretion with offensive odour during breeding seasons. The present seasonal study on the poll gland morphology, and immunore activity of S-100 and alpha smooth muscle act in (α-SMA) proteins might shed some light on its function. The study showed seasonal morphological and immunohistochemical variations. During breeding season the gland was larger in size and darker in colour and showed increased secretion. As compared to non-breeding season, the alveoli and intra-lobular ducts inbreeding season were larger and their epithelium changed from simple squamous or low cuboidal to simple cuboidal. The morphometric study recorded significantly increased alveolar diameter and epithelial height (P<0.05) with consequent non-significantly increased luminal diameter (P>0.05) in breeding season compared to those in non-breeding season. On the other hand, significantly decreased inter-alveolar tissue thickness was observed in breeding season in relation to that in non-breeding season. Positive S-100 immunore activity was observed in both the alveolar epithelial and inter-alveolar tissue,  whereas α-SMA reaction was mainly observed in glandular myoepithelial cells, smooth muscles and blood vessels. S-100 and α-SMA immunore activity increased  during breeding season compared to that in non-breeding season. These results suggest that the poll gland secretory activity is correlated with male camel sexual activity. Moreover, S-100 and α-SMA proteins could be involved in regulation of cellular and muscular functions of the gland.

Keywords: Dromedary camel, Poll gland, Morphology, Immunohistochemistry, S-100,α-smooth muscle actin.

 

 

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