Histochemical phenotypes of von Ebner's gland of ferret and their functional implications

Von Ebner's gland of ferret was examined by means of light microscopy, prot ein, mucosubstance and enzyme histochemistry, and neurohistology. Acinar ce lls were replete with granules containing neutral mucosubstances and disulp hides, and showed strong diffuse acid phosphatase activity and weak granula r staining for peroxidase. Staining for cytochrome oxidase, succinate dehyd rogenase, and NADH and NAD(P) H dehydrogenases was also seen. Basolateral p lasmalemma of acinar cells showed weak, ouabain-sensitive Na,K+-ATPase acti vity. Ductal cells were of a simple appearance, contained thiols and showed variable staining for acid phosphatase, dehydrogenases and cytochrome oxid ase. Variable amounts of beta -glucuronidase reaction product were localize d in the glandular parenchyma, being marked in atrophic areas. Prominent st ellate myoepithelial cells embracing acini and also basal ductal cells were demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase. Thiamine pyrophosphatase reaction pr oduct was concentrated in blood vessels around parenchyma, with little Golg i-like staining in acinar cells. Acetylcholinesterase activity was associat ed with an extensive network of nerve fibres embracing parenchyma, whereas catecholamine fluorescence was not seen. The results suggest that the acini of von Ebner's gland of ferret synthesise neutral secretory glycoproteins and peroxidase. Water mobilization is inconspicuous. Lysosomal activities f eature in the parenchyma, possibly a consequence of processing secretory pr oducts in acini, absorption in ducts and/or adaptation atrophy. The gland r eceives a rich cholinergic-type innervation, and has extensive myoepithelia l and microvascular networks.