Apocrine Glands in the Eyelid of Primates Contribute to the Ocular Host Defense

Abstract

Apocrine glands of Moll are regular components of primate eyelids. We studied the distribution and localization of these glands in three different primate species, the common marmoset, the rhesus monkey, and the hamadryas baboon. In addition, we tested the primate glands of Moll with antibodies against antimicrobial proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and the androgen receptor. The glands of Moll differ in abundance and distribution in different monkeys. In the common marmoset, a representative of the New World monkeys, Platyrrhini, the apocrine glands are frequently found at the lid margin and in the overlying epidermis of the lid. In the rhesus monkey and the hamadryas baboon, representatives of Old World monkeys, Catarrhini, apocrine glands are rarer and located predominantly at the margin of the lid. The immunohistochemical analysis indicates the presence of a variety of antimicrobial proteins, e.g. lysozyme, β-defensin-2, adrenomedullin, lactoferrin, and IgA, in these glands. Interestingly, there are basically no androgen receptors in the nuclei of apocrine glands at the lid margin in all three monkey species. In the common marmoset, however, androgen receptors are found in apocrine glands of the overlying epidermis of the lid. We speculate that the glands of Moll are derived from apocrine glands as found in the skin of the entire body in New World monkeys which developed at the lid margins of higher primates and humans into specialized glands secreting agents of host defense in the eye.

Microvascularisation of the scrotal integument of Holstein-Friesian bulls

“…These findings corroborate the view that the fine and dense blood vessel network of the scrotal dermis is generally involved in thermoregulation by heat emission [5,7,13]. In this context it has to be emphasized that the secretions of the apocrine tubular glands are not involved in thermoregulative activities but in antimicrobial defence to protect the skin and, here particularly the sparsely haired scrotal surface, against microbial invasion [15,18,20,21,24,25]. In this context, the excellent vascular supply of the scrotal apocrine glands, as shown in our study, supports strong and continuous secretion production.…”

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?)…”

Immunohistochemical analysis of secretoglobin SCGB 2A1 expression in human ocular glands and tissues

“…Contrary to lacrimal and Meibomian glands, the apocrine glands of Moll are not well studied and have been investigated in detail only in the human eyelid (Stoeckelhuber et al 2003) and in three non-human primates (Stoeckelhuber et al 2004). The glands of Moll are exclusively located at the margin of the eyelids and their ducts empty into the lash follicle.…”