Hormone receptor expression in interdigital glands of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2004 |
Authors: |
Laura W. Lamps, Bruce R. Smoller, Thomas E. Goodwin, L. E. L. Rasmussen |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
chemical communication, elephant, hormone receptor, immunohistochemistry, interdigital gland |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20002.abs Recently, our group performed the first histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analysis of eccrine-type interdigital glands in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) (Lamps et al. [2001] Res Vet Sci 71:197–200). Since morphologically similar human eccrine glands express reproductive hormone receptors (including androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors), the purpose of the current study was to determine whether interdigital eccrine glands in the Asian elephant contain these same hormone receptors. Necropsy samples of interdigital areas from two adult Asian elephants (one male and one female) were obtained. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptor proteins. Immunoreactivity to all three receptor proteins was seen in a nuclear distribution in eccrine glands from both samples. This staining pattern is similar to that seen in human eccrine glands and tumors of eccrine derivation, although the significance of the receptor protein expression is unknown. The immunoreactivity of elephant interdigital glandular epithelium with monoclonal antibodies raised to human receptor proteins also suggests a high degree of phylogenetic conservation of these proteins between Asian elephants and humans. Despite detailed morphologic characterization, the function of these glands remains unclear. Further studies are needed to elucidate the function of these glands, the possible relationship between hormone receptor expression and circulating hormone levels, and the potential role of these glands in chemical communication in Asian elephants. Zoo Biol 23:463–469, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.