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We report a case of isolated immune-related pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in a patient treated with pembrolizumab for metastatic melanoma. This patient presented with explosive diarrhea and was treated with high dose corticosteroids for possible immune-related colitis. However, biopsies from colon and duodenum did not show any histological evidence of colitis/enteritis. Serum amylase and lipase were not elevated. There was no evidence of pancreatitis or pancreatic metastases on imaging. Significantly lower fecal elastase test on two occasions confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. He was treated with pancreatic enzyme supplementation with complete resolution of diarrhea. This case reinforces the importance of awareness and anticipation of unusual immune-related adverse events related to checkpoint inhibitors.

Several ion channels and transporters regulate fluid secretion in salivary and lacrimal glands. In salivary glands, the major anion channel involved in fluid secretion is the calcium-activated chloride channel anoctamin 1 (ANO1). Several members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily regulate ANO1 activity. Here, we report a functional interaction between thermosensitive TRP vanilloid (TRPV)4 and ANO1 in acinar cells isolated from mouse salivary and lacrimal glands. TRPV4 activation induced chloride currents and shrinkage of acinar cells by increasing intracellular calcium concentrations. The chloride currents evoked by a TRPV4-specific activator (GSK1016790A) were identified as ANO1-mediated currents. Moreover, TRPV4 activation by an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-dependent mechanism was found to contribute to the muscarinic pathway of fluid secretion. Muscarinic stimulation of saliva and tear secretion was down-regulated in both TRPV4-deficient mice and in acinar cells treated with a TRPV4-specific antagonist (HC-067047). Furthermore, the temperature dependence of muscarinic salivation was shown to depend mainly on TRPV4. Our results suggest that TRPV4 interacts with IP3 receptors and ANO1 to regulate the muscarinic pathway that mediates salivation and lacrimation.-Derouiche, S., Takayama, Y., Murakami, M., Tominaga, M. TRPV4 heats up ANO1-dependent exocrine gland fluid secretion.

In the course of pSS, inflammatory cell infiltration consists mainly of lymphocytes infiltrating exocrine glands, which leads to their impaired function. The characteristic feature is generalized dryness. The aim of this study was to attempt to answer the question whether it is possible to distinguish between patients with pSS and individuals with dryness caused by other pathologies without applying invasive studies. The study included 68 patients with pSS and 43 healthy controls with dryness. FS ≥ 1 was observed in 90% of patients with pSS (with or without dryness), and only in 23% of the control group (only with xerostomia). In the pSS group, anaemia (p=0.0085), lymphocytopenia (p=0.0006), elevated ERS (p=0.001), higher RF titer, and ANA antibodies were noted. Configuration of anti-SSA + SSB + Ro52 antibodies was characteristic for the pSS group. Considering the clinical symptoms, statistically significant differences were noted between pSS patients and the control group in frequency (p=0.02) and severity (p=0.042) of fatigue, lymphadenopathy, major salivary gland involvement, and photosensitivity to UV light. In conclusion, invasive methods are pivotal in pSS diagnosis in this salivary gland biopsy. Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in pSS patients and can be subjective distinguishing factor in the group of people with dryness.

Majority of malignant pancreatic neoplasms are epithelial in origin and mostly arise from exocrine gland. Ductal adenocarcinoma compromises the major histological type of such tumors. Primary non-epithelial tumors of exocrine pancreatic gland are extremely rare and incorporate lymphoma and sarcoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma compromises less than 0.5% of pancreatic malignancies. Primary pancreatic lymphoma can be difficult to differentiate from pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other neoplasms on imaging, and a correct diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management. Keywords: Primary pancreatic lymphoma, Malignant tumors of the pancreas, Primary anaplastic lymphoma, Pancreas

Primary and secondary Sjogrens syndrome (SS) is the classification used, according to the American-European Consensus Group Criteria. Salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunctions are the usual hallmark of the disease, but the involvement of other exocrine glands and extraglandular manifestations of the disease do occur. In rare cases, few patients are refractory to the conventional therapy and due to the sudden increase in size of a mass and the esthetic and psychological concerns of a "cancerous growth," the surgical treatment modalities have to be modified. There is a significant lack of contemporary literature on the indications for surgery in refractory SS, and the option should be given in patients with esthetic concerns, risk of malignancy, and to improve the overall quality of life.

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is selectively expressed in the apical membrane of exocrine glands, such as salivary, sweat, and submucosal airway glands, and plays important roles in maintaining their secretory functions. Because AQP5 is not regulated by gating, localization on the plasma membrane is important for its water-permeable function. Ezrin is an ezrin–radixin–moesin family protein that serves as a crosslinker between the plasma membrane and actin cytoskeleton network. It plays important roles in translocation of various membrane proteins to mediate vesicle trafficking to the plasma membrane. In this study, we examined the effects of ezrin inhibition on membrane trafficking of AQP5. Ezrin inhibition selectively suppressed an ionomycin-induced increase in AQP5 translocation to the plasma membrane of mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) without affecting the steady-state level of plasma membrane AQP5. Taken together, our data suggest that AQP5 translocates to the plasma membrane through at least two pathways and that ezrin is selectively involved in a stimulation-dependent pathway.

Plethodontid salamander courtship is an elaborate yet conserved set of behaviors that involve many different sensory signals. Exocrine glands in the skin produce pheromones that facilitate courtship. These glands, known as courtship glands, are described as being sexually dimorphic, only present in males. Thus, we were surprised to discover glands in female Desmognathus brimleyorum that are histochemically and morphologically similar to male courtship glands. These glands are on the dorsal tail base and are sexually dimorphic in size; male glands are larger than those in females. Granular and mucous glands are not sexually dimorphic. The function of these glands in females is unknown, but could be involved in pheromone delivery to the male during courtship. Glands that are histochemically similar to courtship glands are present on the ventral tail surface in males and females as well. This is the first description of dorsal courtship-like glands in females and of ventral courtship-like glands in ...

Background Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are globally distributed vectors of viruses that impact the health of hundreds of millions of people annually. Mating and blood feeding represent fundamental aspects of mosquito life history that carry important implications for vectorial capacity and for control strategies. Females transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts and obtain essential nutrients for eggs during blood feeding. Further, because host-seeking Ae. aegypti females mate with males swarming near hosts, biological crosstalk between these behaviors could be important. Although mating influences nutritional intake in other insects, prior studies examining mating effects on mosquito blood feeding have yielded conflicting results. Methodology/Principal findings To resolve these discrepancies, we examined blood-feeding physiology and behavior in virgin and mated females and in virgins injected with male accessory gland extracts (MAG), which induce post-mating changes in female behavior. We controlled adult nutritional status prior to blood feeding by using water- and sugar-fed controls. Our data show that neither mating nor injection with MAG affect Ae. aegypti blood intake, digestion, or feeding avidity for an initial blood meal. However, sugar feeding, a common supplement in laboratory settings but relatively rare in nature, significantly affected all aspects of feeding and may have contributed to conflicting results among previous studies. Further, mating, MAG injection, and sugar intake induced declines in subsequent feedings after an initial blood meal, correlating with egg production and laying. Taking our evaluation to the field, virgin and mated mosquitoes collected in Colombia were equally likely to contain blood at the time of collection. Conclusions/Significance Mating, MAG, and sugar feeding impact a mosquito’s estimated ability to transmit pathogens through both direct and indirect effects on multiple aspects of mosquito biology. Our results highlight the need to consider natural mosquito ecology, including diet, when assessing their physiology and behavior in the laboratory., Author summary Controlling mosquitoes and the disease agents they transmit during blood feeding remains a global public heath priority. Some vector control tools in development target the mosquito reproductive system as a means of control. The transfer of semen to a female during mating profoundly impacts her biology by inhibiting re-mating and stimulating egg production and laying. Previous studies in Aedes aegypti that examined potential effects of mating on blood feeding yielded contradictory results. We examined the potential of mating and seminal fluids to modulate female blood feeding and controlled for numerous experimental factors, such as ingestion of sugar prior to blood feeding, that may have led to conflicting results in prior studies. In laboratory studies with field-derived Thai mosquitoes, we show that mating and seminal fluids do not impact blood feeding during a mosquito’s first meal, but prior sugar feeding does. Furthermore, we show that mating, seminal fluids, and sugar feeding can impact blood feeding across multiple consecutive meals. Furthermore, field studies in Colombia show that virgin and mated females were equally likely to contain blood. Our research clarifies the impact of mating on blood feeding and suggests ways to improve our understanding of these behaviors in nature.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is a benign glandular tumor, originating most commonly from the parotid gland. Other rare locations for PA are the breast, lung, lacrimal glands, etc. PA originating from other exocrine glands such as the glands of Moll in the palpebra are extremely rare. Herein we report a case report of a 66-year-old female patient with such PA, excised due to vision impediment, with a discussion on the histological aspects and diagnostic and management approaches of PA in this rare location.

Background Primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glands, most commonly observed in middle-aged women. Childhood pSS is both rare and underdiagnosed, since pediatric patients often do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria applicable to adults. Objective To present 7 pediatric cases evaluated for pSS and emphasize the need for childhood-adapted diagnostic criteria. Methods All pediatric cases under investigation for pSS referred to our department between January 2018 and December 2019 for oral evaluation and labial minor salivary gland biopsy were reviewed, and the relevant data were analyzed. Results Seven of 144 patients with suspected pSS were children (4.86%), and they were aged between 5 and 15 years old. Sicca symptoms and low unstimulated salivary flow rate were present in 1 patient each. Although focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (FLS) was observed in all patients, a focus score of 1/4 mm2 was present in 5 of 7 cases, in 1 of which light chain B-cell monoclonality was also noted. Four of these 5 patients were subsequently diagnosed with pSS according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2016 classification criteria, whereas 1 seropositive patient, 1 with a high focus score, and 1 with recurrent parotid swelling and a positive family history did not meet the above criteria. Conclusions Pediatric patients may not fulfill the strict adult criteria for pSS, since destruction of the exocrine glands may not be measurable from the onset. Instead, recurrent parotid gland swelling and presence of any FLS, regardless of the focus score, may serve as alternative criteria in order to avoid underdiagnosis.

A Síndrome de Sjögren é uma doença autoimune, caracterizada pela infiltração linfocitária no epitélio glandular, onde acomete principalmente as glândulas exócrinas salivares e lacrimais. O estudo mostra as classificações da síndrome e a relação dos autoanticorpos relacionados com seu diagnóstico. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura integrativa, utilizando artigos publicados entre os anos de 2010 à 2020, nas línguas portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola que foram publicados de forma integra nos bancos de dados PubMed, SciELO e LILACS. A síndrome ‘’ Sicca’’ é causada por fatores genéticos, ambientais e hormonais. Acomete principalmente mulheres com idade média de 56 anos, onde vem sofrendo um desequilíbrio hormonal. A reação autoimune dar-se pela superestimulação das células T e células B que irão estimular a hipergamaglobulinemia e produção de autoanticorpos. A longo prazo as alterações podem sofrer mutações acarretando no desenvolvimento de linfoma não Hodgkin. A literatura mostra que o retardo do diagnóstico para a Síndrome de Sjögren dar-se pelos sutis sintomas que muitas vezes passam despercebidos ou são confundidos com outras patologias. O anti-Ro e o anti-La são os principais autoanticorpos mais frequentes em pacientes com SS.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by mutations in the transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The disease leads to dysfunction of the exocrine glands with high concentration of chloride in the sweat and formation of abnormally viscous mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive tract. Chronic sinopulmonary disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, liver disease, intestinal obstruction, impaired nutritional status, salt loss syndrome and male infertility dominates in the clinical presentation. The examination of sweat chloride concentration and mutations in the CFTR gene is used in CF diagnostics for detection of CFTR protein dysfunction. The treatment comprises especially respiratory physiotherapy with mucolytics inhalations, aggressive antibiotic therapy and high-calorie diet together with adequate pancreatic enzymes substitution. The prevention of airway infection with resistant bacterial pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a fundamental measure. Significant recent progress include the use of newborn screening of CF and drugs targeted to individual CFTR gene mutations in the clinical practise. The prognosis of patients has improved due to using of modern therapeutic methods in CF treatment centres. Children born at present time have survival probability 40-50 years.Key words: adults - cystic fibrosis - diagnostics - therapy.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease that often results in diminished exocrine gland function. SS patients also experience systemic disease manifestations, including hypergammaglobulinemia and pulmonary and renal pathoses. MyD88 is a ubiquitously expressed adaptor molecule used by all immune cells that is required for IL-1 receptor (IL-1R), IL-18R, and most TLR signaling. The precise role of MyD88 in SS has not been evaluated, although this adaptor is critical for development of lupus, a related autoimmune disease. This study tested the hypothesis that Myd88-mediated signaling is required for local and systemic SS manifestations. To this end, we generated NOD.B10Sn-H2b/J (NOD.B10) mice that are deficient in Myd88 (NOD.B10Myd88−/−). We found that NOD.B10 animals that lack Myd88 show reduced exocrine and extraglandular inflammation. Moreover, these animals are protected from loss of salivary flow. Splenocytes from NOD.B10Myd88−/− mice did not up-regulate activation markers or secrete IL-6 in response to a Myd88-dependent agonist, although BCR signaling remained intact. Finally, IgM, IgG, and anti-nuclear autoantibodies were reduced in NOD.B10Myd88−/− mice compared with the parental strain. These data demonstrate that Myd88 is a crucial mediator of local and systemic SS disease manifestations.

The order Thelyphonida (Chelicerata: Arachnida) contains more than 100 species of whipscorpions that live in warm tropical and xeric environments. All whipscorpions possess a pair of pygidial glands in their opisthosoma that secrete and actively discharge a defensive spray composed mostly of acetic acid, hence their common name, vinegaroon. To date, the structure of the glands remains poorly understood and has not been subject to detailed analysis for more than a century. Here, we provide the first description of gland structure in the North American vinegaroon, Mastigoproctus giganteus. We used paraffin histology to study general gland structure in juveniles (2nd instar) and adults. We supplement these observations with histochemical stains, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We found the glands to be composed of numerous long strips of multinucleated syncytium that rest on a basal lamina that lacks an external muscle coat. The gland syncytia contain abundant glycogen granules and secretion drops of different sizes and staining qualities. The adult epithelium is organized into three general patterns: as simple epithelia, as simple acinar glands, and as compound acinar glands. The juvenile gland epithelium is less distinctly organized. A cuticular intima lines the apical (lumenal) surface of adult and juvenile glands, is multilaminate, contains chitin, and may be permeated by irregular pores. The basal side of the intima consists of cuticular, finger-like projections that protrude into a subcuticular space. The underlying epithelium possesses an apical brush border of microvilli that appears to engage in Kurosumi’s type III extrusion, but the contents (cuticle or acids) of the vesicles are unknown. Curiously, the cells possess apical nuclei that also suggest a basal route of secretion, but details on this process are undetermined. Together, these results reveal that vinegaroon pygidial glands are unlike most other arachnid exocrine glands in their structure, methods of secretion, and mechanisms of discharge.

Pancreatic cancer is classified as ductal, acinar, neuroendocrine carcinoma or pancreatoblastoma. Ductal and acinar cells derive from exocrine glands and neuroendocrine cells from endocrine glands; however, mixed acinar-neuroendocrine-ductal carcinoma has different histological carcinomas coexisting within a nodule. The mixed pancreatic carcinoma forms from different developmental origins and therefore requires investigation. The current case report presents a 50-year-old male who had a tumor within the body of the pancreas. Pathological examination clarified the tumor as a mixed acinar-neuroendocrine-ductal carcinoma. The ductal and acinar/neuroendocrine tumor components were isolated using laser-capture microdissection, and next-generation sequencing analysis was performed. Consequently, TP53 frameshift (p.N210fs) and KRAS missense (p.G12R) mutations were identified in both ductal and acinar/neuroendocrine tumors. These results suggested a pancreatic mixed acinar-neuroendocrine-ductal carcinoma was derived from a founder tumor clone, and supports the notion that a founder tumor clone may differentiate and transform into a diverse histological type and form a pancreatic mixed carcinoma.

Within the spectrum of autoimmune diseases, Sjögren's syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis are exemplary and can be coined as chronic epithelitis based on their frequent coexistence in clinical practice and the highly specific immune-mediated injury of the small bile ducts and the exocrine glands. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the diseases are similar, with apoptosis being the key element leading to organ-specific immune-mediated injury directed against the small bile ducts and salivary gland epithelia, respectively along with similar epidemiological features, such as female predominance and the age of onset in the fifth decade of life. Indeed, novel insights into the pathogenesis of the diseases have been obtained in recent years, including a better definition of the role of B and T cells, particularly Th17 cells, and the mechanisms of autoantibody-mediated tissue injury, with anti-mitochondrial antibodies and SS-A/SS-B being identified as specific for primary biliary cholangitis and Sjögren's syndrome, respectively. These findings have opened the possibility to new targeted therapies, but most clinical needs remain unmet, particularly from a therapeutic standpoint where options diverge, with bile acids being the predominant treatment strategy in primary biliary cholangitis and immunomodulators being used to treat Sjögren's syndrome. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the most recent findings on the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and therapeutic options for Sjögren's syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis, respectively, while stressing the common traits between these conditions. Our cumulative hypothesis is that similarities outnumber differences and that this may prove advantageous towards a better management of patients.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in exocrine glands, resulting in reduced secretion of tears and saliva, manifesting as xerophthalmia and xerostomia, respectively. It is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome type A (Ro) and Sjogren's syndrome type B (La) antigens. However, in most patients, the identity of the triggering antigen is not known. Factors such as genetics of histocompatibility, dysregulation of T-cells, B-cells and viral infections have been implicated. Several important studies on autoantigens in pSS have been published since a review in 2012, and the aim of this review is to provide an update on further peer-reviewed original articles in this field. Oxidative damage of Ro60 antigen may explain the epitope spreading during the immune activation in pSS. Immune-mediated destruction of the muscarinic receptor-3-expressing cells has been associated with a reduction in parasympathetic function, which could cause reduced secretory function of exocrine glands. Such a process also activates reactive oxidative species and antioxidants, which are linked to the triggering of inflammatory responses. Elevated levels of kallikrein, yet another antigen present in the lacrimal gland and other tissues, are similarly involved in triggering an autoimmune T-cell response against target glands. Studying additional antigens, the platelet-selectin and vasoactive intestinal peptides, in patients with pSS can help to elucidate the origin and process of autoimmunity, or even lead to potential biomarkers. In conclusion, the understanding of autoantigens has led to exciting major advances in the biology of pSS and may influence diagnosis and management of pSS in future.

Lactoferrin (LF) is produced by exocrine glands including salivary gland, and has various functions including infection defense. However, the transfer of LF from peripheral organs into the brain remains unclear. To clarify the kinetics of salivary LF (sLF), we investigated the consequences of sialoadenectomy and bovine LF (bLF) sublingual administration in rats. The salivary glands were removed from male Wistar rats, and we measured rat LF levels in the blood and brain at 1 week post-surgery. We also examined the transfer of LF into the organs of the rats after sublingual administration of bLF. Rat LF levels in the blood and brain were significantly reduced by sialoadenectomy. Sublingual bLF administration significantly increased bLF levels in the brain, which then decreased over time. These results indicate that LF is transferred from the sublingual mucosa to the brain, in which favorable effects of sLF on brain will be expected via the sublingual mucosa.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is said to be the most common lethal inherited disease of the white population. It affects the exocrine glands of body, primarily of the gastrointestinal and respiratory system. CF is caused by one of a large numbers of mutations of the gene for a protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This CFTR regulates chloride and sodium transport across epithelial membranes. The main complications involve in the lungs, with damage to the small and large airways by chronic and recurrent bacterial infections. Other major consequences include pancreatic malfunction, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins with consequent impaired growth and development and in older patient diabetes. Diagnosis is usually done by sweat test or identification of two CF-causing mutations in patients with characteristics symptoms. Treatment is supportive through aggressive multidisciplinary care. The prognosis of CF has improved due to earlier diagnosis through screening, better treatment and access to health care. Although CF is a rare disease in Bangladesh, but its possibility should be kept in mind in appropriate circumstances.Bangladesh J Child Health 2016; VOL 40 (3) :174-178

Genetically manipulated organisms with dysfunction of specific tissues are crucial for the study of various biological applications and mechanisms. However, the bioengineering of model organisms with tissue-specific dysfunction has not progressed because the challenges of expression of proteins, such as cytotoxins, in living cells of individual organisms need to be overcome first. Here, we report the establishment of a transgenic silkworm (Bombyx mori) with posterior silk glands (PSGs) that was designed to express the cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapae) cytotoxin pierisin-1A (P1A). P1A, a homolog of the apoptosis inducer pierisin-1, had relatively lower DNA ADP ribosyltransferase activity than pierisin-1; it also induced the repression of certain protein synthesis when expressed in B. mori-derived cultured cells. The transgene-derived P1A domain harboring enzymatic activity was successfully expressed in the transgenic silkworm PSGs. The glands showed no apoptosis-related morphological changes; however, an abnormal appearance was evident. The introduced truncated P1A resulted in the dysfunction of PSGs in that they failed to produce the silk protein fibroin. Cocoons generated by the silkworms solely consisted of the glue-like glycoprotein sericin, from which soluble sericin could be prepared to form hydrogels. Embryonic stem cells could be maintained on the hydrogels in an undifferentiated state and proliferated through stimulation by the cytokines introduced into the hydrogels. Thus, bioengineering with targeted P1A expression successfully produced silkworms with a biologically useful trait that has significant application potential.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a conserved mechanism of Ca2+ influx that regulates Ca2+ signaling in many cell types. SOCE is activated by depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores in response to physiological agonist stimulation. After it was first postulated by J.W. Putney Jr. in 1986, SOCE has been described in a large number of non-excitable cell types including secretory cells of different exocrine glands. Here we discuss the mechanisms by which SOCE controls salt and fluid secretion in exocrine glands, with a special focus on eccrine sweat glands. In sweat glands, SOCE plays an important, non-redundant role in regulating the function of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCC), Cl− secretion and sweat production. In the absence of key regulators of SOCE such as the CRAC channel pore subunit ORAI1 and its activator STIM1, the Ca2+-activated chloride channel TMEM16A is inactive and fails to secrete Cl−, resulting in anhidrosis in mice and human patients.

Elasmobranchs possess a specialised organ, the rectal gland, which is responsible for excreting sodium chloride via the posterior intestine. Previous work has indicated that the gland may be activated by a number of hormones, some of which are likely related to the salt or volume loads associated with feeding. Furthermore, evidence exists for the gland being glucose dependent which is atypical for an elasmobranch tissue. In this study, the presence of sodium-glucose co-transporters (SGLTs) in the rectal gland and their regulation by feeding were investigated. In addition, the hypothesis of glucose dependence was examined through the use of glucose transporter (GLUT and SGLT) inhibitors, phlorizin, Indinavir, and STF-31 and their effect on secretion by the rectal gland. Finally, the effects on rectal gland activity of insulin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide-1, hormones typically involved in glucoregulation, were examined. The results showed that sglt1 mRNA is present in the gland, and there was a significant reduction in sglt1 transcript abundance 24 h post-feeding. An almost complete suppression of chloride secretion was observed when glucose uptake was inhibited, confirming the organ's glucose dependence. Finally, perfusion with dogfish GLP-1 (10 nmol L-1), but not dogfish glucagon, was shown to markedly stimulate the activity of the gland, increasing chloride secretion rates above baseline by approximately 16-fold (p < 0.001). As GLP-1 is released from the intestine upon feeding, we propose that this may be the primary signal for activation of the rectal gland post-feeding.

An avian uropygial gland is located on the mid-dorsum of the tail, and is the only external gland found in birds. Most studies have focused on the function, gross anatomy and chemical nature of this gland, with little research on its ontogeny. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of this gland in a series of Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) embryos. Specimens were examined anatomically and histologically. It was found that grooves preceded glandular development by many stages. The embryogenesis of the uropygial gland was divided into 6 phases: preinception, groove inception, mesodermal separation, migrating mesodermal cells, oval shaped "depressions", constriction and finally glandular inception. No other gland is known to develop similarly, though there may be parallels with femoral gland development. In comparison to other bird species, the length of the development period in the Albatross, as well as other compounding factors, make it difficult to determine the significance of these observations. The development of a mesodermal band, soon to be a connective tissue capsule, is more complex than originally described in ducks. Thus, the unique nature of this gland is established, but the significance of the observations required further studies into uropygial gland development. Anat Rec, 300:1420-1428, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Antecedentes y Objetivo: La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es una enfermedad genética de herencia autosómica recesiva, caracterizada por disfunción de las glándulas de secreción exocrina. En Honduras no hay ningún tipo de revisión sobre este tema, por lo que se realizó este estudio con el objetivo de caracterizar los pacientes diagnosticados con FQ mediante prueba de Cloruros en Sudor.Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo, se revisaron expedientes clínicos y se aplicó un instrumento de 20 preguntas a pacientes en control médico, durante enero 2010 a junio 2015.Resultados: Se presentan cinco pacientes con diagnóstico de fibrosis quística. La edad al momento del diagnóstico varió de Recién nacido a 5 años; 2 de ellos con antecedentes familiares para dicha enfermedad. Al inicio de la enfermedad 3 tenían sintomatología respiratoria y digestiva. En relación a talla/edad al momento del diagnóstico, 4 se encontraban por debajo del percentil Z-3. La totalidad reportó cultivos positivos para Pseudomona aureginosa. Respecto al manejo terapéutico de los pacientes en la totalidad de ellos se indicó nebulizaciones con Salino hipertónico al 7%, Beta-2-agonistas, antibióticos sistémicos y suplementación enzimática y de vitaminas liposoluble. En 2 pacientes, se encontró la mutación ΔF508 en el gen CFTR.Conclusiones: La Fibrosis Quística todavía es una patología en gran medida desconocida. Se recomienda implementar el tamizaje neonatal para ayudar al diagnóstico temprano y la prueba de cloruros en sudor en pacientes de mayor edad y con alta sospecha clínica de esta enfermedad.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 2 /octubre 2015 a marzo 2016: 486-492

Salamanders in the family Plethodontidae exhibit a unique tail-straddle walk during courtship that can include the use of sexually dimorphic mental and caudal courtship glands. This study presents novel histological and fine structure data on mental glands and caudal courtship glands in Plethodon mississippi, Desmognathus conanti and Eurycea quadridigitata using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This study represents the first use of scanning electron microscopy to observe these glands. Both mental and caudal courtship glands were observed to vary seasonally in gland diameter and histology according to the breeding season of each species. Morphological variation was observed across the three species studied in both clustering and relative size of the glands compared to neighbouring mucous and granular glands. Hypertrophied mental glands are larger than mucous or granular glands in all species, but relationships among caudal courtship glands and other skin glands vary among species. In E. quadridigitata, active caudal courtship glands are larger than mucous and granular glands, but in D. conanti, caudal courtship glands are similar in size to granular glands and larger than mucous glands. In P. mississippi, caudal courtship glands are scattered among significantly larger granular glands and are similar in size to mucous glands.

Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-chelating glycoprotein of innate immunity, produced by exocrine glands and neutrophils in infection/inflammation sites, is one of the most abundant defence molecules in airway secretions. Lf, a pleiotropic molecule, exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions. These properties may play a relevant role in airway infections characterized by exaggerated inflammatory response, as in Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects. To verify the Lf role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection, we evaluated the efficacy of aerosolized bovine Lf (bLf) in mouse models of P. aeruginosa acute and chronic lung infections. C57BL/6NCrl mice were challenged with 106 CFUs of P. aeruginosa PAO1 (acute infection) or MDR-RP73 strain (chronic infection) by intra-tracheal administration. In both acute and chronic infections, aerosolized bLf resulted in nonsignificant reduction of bacterial load but significant decrease of the neutrophil recruitment and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, in chronic infection the bLf-treated mice recovered body weight faster and to a higher extent than the control mice. These findings add new insights into the benefits of bLf as a mediator of general health and its potential therapeutic applications.

Summary Sjögren's syndrome is the second most common rheumatic disease in which autoimmune response targets exocrine glands (salivary and lacrimal glands) result in clinical symptoms of dry mouth and dry eye. Inflammation of the lacrimal gland induces tear abnormalities that contribute to the inflammation of the ocular surface, which includes ocular mucosa. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) plays a critical regulatory role in the ocular mucosa and as such TSP-1–/– mice develop spontaneously chronic ocular surface inflammation associated with Sjögren's syndrome. The autoimmune pathology is also accompanied by a peripheral imbalance in regulatory (Treg) and inflammatory Th17 effectors. In this study, we demonstrate an in-vitro effect of a CD47-binding TSP-derived peptide in the induction of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-secreting forkhead box protein 2 (Foxp3+) Tregs from activated CD4+CD25– T cells and the inhibition of pathogenic T helper type 17 (Th17)-promoting interleukin (IL)-23 derived from antigen-presenting cells. The in-vivo administration of this peptide promotes Foxp3+ Treg induction and inhibition of Th17 development. Consistent with these results, topical administration of CD47-binding TSP peptide, both before and after the onset of the disease, attenuates clinical symptoms of SS-associated dry eye in TSP-1–/– mice. Augmented expression of Foxp3 detected in the draining lymph nodes of TSP peptide -treated mice compared to those treated with control peptide suggests the ability of TSP peptide to restore peripheral immune imbalance. Thus, our results suggest that TSP-derived peptide attenuates Sjögren's syndrome-associated dry eye and autoimmune inflammation by preventing Th17 development while promoting the induction of Tregs. Collectively, our data identify TSP-derived peptide as a novel therapeutic option to treat autoimmune diseases.

SummaryBackground Sweat secretion is the major function of eccrine sweat glands; when this process is disturbed (paridrosis), serious skin problems can arise. To elucidate causes of paridrosis, an improved understanding of the regulation, mechanisms and factors underlying sweat production is required. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exhibits pleiotropic functions that are mediated via its receptors (PAC1R, VPAC1R and VPAC2R). Although some studies suggested a role for PACAP in the skin and several exocrine glands, the effects of PACAP on the process of eccrine sweat secretion have not been examined. Objectives To investigate the effect of PACAP on eccrine sweat secretion. Methods RT-PCR and immunostaining were used to determine the expression and localization of PACAP and its receptors in mouse and human eccrine sweat glands. We subcutaneously injected PACAP into the footpads of mice and used the starch iodine test to visualize sweat-secreting glands. Results Immunostaining showed PACAP and PAC1R expression by secretory cells from mouse and human sweat glands. PACAP immunoreactivity was also localized in nerve fibres around eccrine sweat glands. PACAP significantly promoted sweat secretion at the injection site, and this could be blocked by the PAC1R-antagonist PACAP6-38. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), an agonist of VPAC1R and VPAC2R, failed to induce sweat secretion. Conclusions This is the first report demonstrating that PACAP may play a crucial role in sweat secretion via its action on PAC1R located in eccrine sweat glands. The mechanisms underlying the role of PACAP in sweat secretion may provide new therapeutic options to combat sweating disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.