IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF VIMENTIN, S-100 PROTEIN AND NEUROFILAMENT IN THE LACRIMAL GLAND OF THE CAMEL (CAMELUS-DROMEDARIUS)

The distribution of vimentin, S-100 protein and neurofilament in the l acrimal gland of the camel (camelus dromedarius) was investigated usin g immunohistochemical techniques. Fresh lacrimal glands collected from slaughtered camels from the local abbatoir were cut into small pieces , fixed in paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde solution containing picric acid and processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies against v imentin, S-100 protein and neurofilament. Vimentin was observed in the endothelial cells of blood vessels and in the nerves located in the p erivascular, interlobular and periacinar regions. S-100 was discerned mainly in the nerves of the interlobular connective tissue and in nerv es lying close to blood vessels and acinar tissue. Neurofilament was a lso found in nerves and coexisted with both S-100 protein and vimentin . It is concluded that vimentin, S-100 protein and neurofilament are w idely distributed in the lacrimal gland of the camel and may play sign ificant role in maintaining adequate lacrimal function.