Demonstration of [beta]-glucan receptors in the skin of aquatic mammals--a preliminary report

Using immunohistochemistry, the study clearly demonstrates three important β-glucan receptors (Ficolin/P35, MBL, Dectin-1; members of the lectin-complement pathway of innate immunity) in the integument of six marine and freshwater aquatic mammals (Northern fur seal, Common seal, Walrus, Coypu, Capyb...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of wildlife research 2008-08, Vol.54 (3), p.479
Main Authors: Meyer, Wilfried, Kloepper, Jennifer Elisabeth, Fleischer, Lutz-günther
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic mammals
Epidermis
Freshwater mammals
Hair
Immunohistochemistry
Marine mammals
Seals
Skin
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Summary:Using immunohistochemistry, the study clearly demonstrates three important β-glucan receptors (Ficolin/P35, MBL, Dectin-1; members of the lectin-complement pathway of innate immunity) in the integument of six marine and freshwater aquatic mammals (Northern fur seal, Common seal, Walrus, Coypu, Capybara, Otter), but only weakly in two dolphin species. Most of the non-dolphin mammals exhibited strong reactions, especially with regard to the skin glands (tubular apocrine glands, sebaceous glands), for L-Ficolin/P35 and MBL. Distinct reaction staining could also be observed in the epidermis and the outer epithelial sheath of primary hair follicles. Positive Dectin-1 staining was limited to secretory cells of the apocrine tubular glands, and to peripheral and central cells of sebaceous glands of the seals. The Capybara was the only animal to show a clear Dectin reaction in the epidermis (stratum granulosum). The findings are discussed with regard to the constant and high microbial challenge of the skin in the aquatic medium, and variations in hair density of the animals. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1612-4642
1439-0574
DOI:10.1007/s10344-008-0173-z