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Ultrastructure of the hyperhidrotic eccrine sweat gland
D L Bovell1, M T Clunes, H Y Elder
1School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Primary hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, does not stem from structural defects in eccrine glands. Future research should explore neurohumoral or metabolic causes for this debilitating condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Primary hyperhidrosis involves excessive eccrine gland sweat secretion, significantly impacting quality of life.
- The underlying causes of primary hyperhidrosis remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential structural abnormalities in eccrine glands associated with primary hyperhidrosis.
- To differentiate between pathological changes and physiological responses in hyperhidrotic glands.
Main Methods:
- Skin biopsies were collected from individuals with primary hyperhidrosis and healthy controls.
- Samples underwent light and electron microscopic examination to assess glandular structure.
Main Results:
- Hyperhidrotic glands showed changes consistent with intense physiological activation, not pathology.
- Observed changes included degranulation, cellular alterations, and debris, similar to normally activated glands.
Conclusions:
- The study found no structural defects in eccrine glands in primary hyperhidrosis.
- Future research should focus on neurohumoral signaling or metabolic dysfunctions within secretory cells.
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