Functional cytology of the apocrine glands of the anal sac in cats, Felis silvestris f. catus
Flachsbarth, M.F.; Meyer, W.; Schwarz, R.
Acta Anatomica 143(3): 199-204
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5180 PMID: 1632184 Document Number: 388526
Apocrine glands of the anal sacs in cats (Felis silvestris f. catus) were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The secretory cells exhibit a typical equipment with organelles that varied according to the season as well as the animal's sex and state of reproduction. This can be mainly explained by seasonal differences in secretory activity. The cytological dynamics observed are, particularly, related to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which, for the first time, can be demonstrated in its crystalloid form in apocrine glands.