Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:31
Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI
Published on: November 1, 2014
Equine sweating and anhidrosis Part 1--equine sweating.
David McEwan Jenkinson1, Hugh Y Elder, Douglas L Bovell
1Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, West Medical Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
Veterinary Dermatology
|November 7, 2006
Summary
Sweating in equids is crucial for thermoregulation, not just waste excretion. Understanding sweating failure (anhidrosis) involves complex glandular control and secretory mechanisms beyond simple nerve signals.
Area of Science:
- Equine physiology
- Mammalian thermoregulation
- Dermatology
Background:
- Sweating serves multiple functions in mammals, including pheromone release, waste excretion, and skin health.
- In specific species like humans and Equidae, sweating is vital for thermoregulation.
- Sweating failure, or anhidrosis, is a significant concern in equids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the thermoregulatory role of sweat in Equidae.
- To explore the causes and mechanisms of sweating failure (anhidrosis) in horses.
- To detail equine sweat gland function, control, and secretion.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on equine sweat glands.
- Analysis of glandular appearance, sweat composition, and output rates.
- Examination of current theories on glandular control and secretory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Equid sweat glands are not directly innervated.
- Glandular control involves a complex interplay of neural, humoral, and paracrine factors.
- The secretory mechanism is intricate, involving dynamic activating pathways and autocrine control.
Conclusions:
- Sweat gland function in equids is regulated by multiple interacting systems.
- Autocrine control influences not only secretion but also cell reproduction, growth, and death.
- Understanding these complex mechanisms is key to addressing anhidrosis in horses.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sweat Glands
Sweat glands or sudoriferous glands are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are small, coiled tubular structures located in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Sweat glands are responsible for producing and secreting sweat, a watery fluid that helps regulate body temperature and excrete waste products.
Sweat glands are classified as merocrine glands; that is, the secretions are excreted by exocytosis through a duct without affecting the cells of the gland. There...
Sweat glands are classified as merocrine glands; that is, the secretions are excreted by exocytosis through a duct without affecting the cells of the gland. There...
01:26Thermoregulation
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:07Body Temperature
Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
01:25Introduction to the Integumentary System
The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
01:19Mechanism of heat transfer
Understanding heat transfer mechanisms is essential for understanding how our bodies maintain balance in different environmental conditions. When the environment is thermoneutral, the body is in a state of balance, neither using nor releasing energy to maintain its core temperature. However, when the environment is not thermoneutral, the body employs four heat transfer mechanisms to maintain homeostasis: conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. These mechanisms facilitate heat...