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Proliferating cells in human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands
1Department of Dermatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.
Summary
Human sweat glands shed dead secretory cells. This study found that existing secretory cells, not myoepithelial or duct cells, likely replace these lost cells through proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Dermatology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Morphological observations indicate secretory cells in human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands undergo cell death and are released into the lumen.
- The source of replacement cells for lost secretory cells in sweat glands remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular origin of replacement cells in human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
- To identify proliferating cells within sweat glands that contribute to tissue homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro labeling of S-phase cells using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd).
- Immunostaining for proliferation-associated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
- Analysis of cell proliferation in secretory, myoepithelial, and ductal compartments of sweat glands.
Main Results:
- Both BrdUrd and PCNA labeling identified a small number of proliferating secretory cells in eccrine and apocrine glands.
- Myoepithelial cells did not show proliferation markers.
- Proliferation was observed in luminal and peripheral duct cells, but no distinct germinative cell population was identified in the coiled ducts.
Conclusions:
- Lost secretory cells in human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands are likely replenished by the proliferation of existing secretory cells.
- Myoepithelial cells and duct cells do not appear to be the primary source for replacing lost secretory cells.