Histochemical studies on the Preputial Gland of Albino Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)

Abstract

The preputial gland, the additional paired accessory sex gland in the rat, was a compound alveolar gland of the holocrine type.
The parenchyma had lobes of various sizes which consisted of densely packed acini of various types in different sizes and in various states of activity representing the cycle of sebum formation. A moderate to highly positive PAS positive reaction was observed in the capsule, trabeculae and stroma indicating the presence of carbohydrates. This reaction showed only a slight decrease upon treatment with saliva. Fine protein granules were observed in the smaller acinar cells that were peripherally located. Large sized granules were observed in the central acinar cells approaching degeneration. Abundant lipid droplets were observed throughout the acinar cells upon staining with Oil red O. Very few acini not in the active phase of secretion lacked the lipid droplets. A mild acid phosphatase activity was observed in some of the acinar cells. A few of the acini in active phases of secretion and the acini in which cell degeneration was taking place showed moderate activity. A weak alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in the secretory acini that were in active phase of secretion. The activity in the other secretory acini was very weak and was variably observed.