A Polysaccharide-Containing Cell Coat on Keratinizing Cells of the Romney Wool Follicle

Abstract

SummaryThe periodic acid-silver methenamine test revealed the presence of a polysaccharide-containing cell coat on the surfaces of keratinizing cells of the Romney wool follicle. This coat was present throughout the changes involving cellular adhesion, cell growth, and cell shape which occur before keratinization is complete. Once these changes were complete, the cell membrane, or regions close to it, and the cell coat of the cortex and the cortex cuticle cells became modified. Modifications of the cell membrane, or regions close to it, in the inner root sheath occurred on or just prior to hardening of these cells.

Lamellar subcomponents of the cuticular cell membrane complex of mammalian keratin fibres show friction and hardness contrast by AFM

“…The latter region is more than likely the surface of the proteinaceous epicuticle. Thus, polysaccharidic (glycoprotein or glycolipid) regions (Orwin, 1970; Allen et al ., 1991) and proteinaceous areas (King & Bradbury, 1968; Allen et al ., 1985; Swift & Smith, 2001) would seem to be exposed at the surfaces of the δ‐layer and epicuticle, respectively. The terminal OH groups of polysaccharides are likely to account for the increased friction observed for the former.…”