The coagulating gland in the male greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus): morphological and immunohistochemical features

Abstract

This study reveals the structure, ultrastructure and immunoexpression of oestrogen alpha and beta receptors (ERa and ERb) (Folia Morphol 2015; 74, 1: 25-32)

An Update on Coagulating Gland Renin-Angiotensin-Prostaglandin System: A New Hypothesis on Its Renin Function

“…They have showed an extensive expression of ER-α in the nucleus and in the apical bleb or cytoplasm of the secretory epithelium in rat CG. They have indicated that this kind of immunoexpression is not common in all rodents [8]. As reported by Prins and Korach [14], ER-α is basically localized in stroma in the prostate gland of rodents.…”

“…Plications of the cell membrane are visible at the lateral aspects and the base of the cells [1,9]. Recent ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies on greater cane rats also indicated the presence of some blebbing on the apical part of the epithelial cells [8]. According to Badia et al, the presence of abundant in-foldings (microvilli) and coated vesicles have been associated with the absorptive activity in the SV.…”

“…These microvilli have also been reported to have an apocrine mode of secretion and extruding soluble and membrane-bound proteins [10]. These features also tend to suggest a robust protein synthesis with the packaged secretory products released through the merocrine mechanism [8,10]. Recent studies have reported the presence of transglutaminase type IV, kinesin and other soluble proteins which may be concerned with vesicle trafficking and secretion of proteins from CG [11].…”

“…As we know from the previous reports, only distribution of estrogen receptors (ER) varies in cell types and species, but ARs are commonly found in epithelial cells and stromal cells in reproductive organs [13]. Adebayo et al (2015), with immunohistochemical studies, showed immune expression of ER-α and ER-β on the surface of epithelial cells of CG. They have showed an extensive expression of ER-α in the nucleus and in the apical bleb or cytoplasm of the secretory epithelium in rat CG.…”

“…However, a recent research has revealed that there are some differences in locations of CG in animals. They have reported that in mice, rat, and great African rat, the gland lies along almost the entire length of vesicular glands while in Viscacha it is located in the upper part of prostate [8]. With light microscopy, the CGs can be differentiated from the SV by paler eosin staining and slight dilation of the lumen which is composed of single columnar or cuboidal epithelium surrounded by connective tissue and smooth muscle.…”