Equine sweating and anhidrosis Part 2: anhidrosis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Detailed Protocol for Perspiration Monitoring Using a Novel, Small, Wireless Device
Published on: November 24, 2016
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.
Abstract:
The condition of anhidrosis is described in this review, and the latest theories on the causal factors are explored. The evidence supports the hypothesis that anhidrosis is an inappropriate response to prolonged climatic stress (generally combined heat and high humidity), which can be evoked in a small (approximately 10 +/- 5%) proportion of the equine population. It is caused by gradual failure of the glandular secretory cell processes, initiated by desensitization and subsequent down-regulation of the cell receptors as a result of continued adrenaline-driven hyperactivity. It progresses through secretory failure and culminates in gradual, probably irreversible, glandular dedifferentiation and ultimate degeneration. There is a need for considerably more research on the secretory and transcriptional processes to document the changes arising within the glandular secretory mechanism as a prelude to development of a corrective treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sweat Glands
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...
Thermoregulation
Diabetes Insipidus II: Pathophysiology
Body Temperature
Body Temperature
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...
Introduction to the Integumentary System
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...
