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Ultrastructural Analysis of the Integument of a Desert‐Adapted Mammal, the One‐Humped Camel ( Camelus dromedarius )
Author(s) -
Pfeiffer C. J.,
Osman A. H. K.,
Pfeiffer D. C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00644.x
Subject(s) - stratum spinosum , integument , stratum granulosum , stratum corneum , ultrastructure , biology , apocrine , anatomy , myoepithelial cell , immunohistochemistry , genetics , immunology
Summary In this study, we conducted a light microscopic and ultrastructural analysis of the integument of the one‐humped camel ( Camelus dromedarius ). In general, the epidermal strata of the camel integument appeared typical of those found in non‐desert mammals. Two cell populations were noted in the stratum basale: one with a flat, non‐serrated base and the other with a highly serrated base. Typical fine structure was observed in keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. The stratum corneum was six to 10 cells thick. Within the different strata, overall cell morphologies and the general distribution and relative abundance of cellular organelles appeared typical. Dermal features included the presence of myoepithelial cells surrounding apocrine tubular glands. Inter‐ or intracellular canaliculi within the secretory cells of the apocrine glands, reported to be present in certain other non‐desert mammals, were not evident in the camel. Together, these data indicate that while the camel is clearly adapted for a desert lifestyle, these adaptations do not include significant specializations at the cellular or subcellular level in the integument.