Histochemistry of glycoconjugates in the nasolabial skin of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus, Artiodactyla, Mammalia) with special reference to glandular structures.

The histochemistry of glycoconjugates in the nasolabial skin of the Japanese serow ( Capricornis crispus ) was studied by light microscopic histochemical methods, particularly lectin histochemistry. The eccrine glands present exhibited neutral and acidic glycoconjugates with different saccharide residues (alpha-L-fucose, beta-D-galactose, beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, alpha-D-galactose and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid) especially in the cells of the secretory acini, the free surface of the collecting duct cells also showed distinct positive reactions with most of the histochemical methods. The thick epidermis of the nasolabial skin contained smaller amounts of glycoproteins. The results obtained are discussed with regard to possible functions of the glandular secretions. This substance mixture may particularly improve water retention on the skin surface, and protect against physical damage as well as microbial contamination. There seem to be no basic differences of muzzle functions between wild and domesticated bovine species.