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Anat Rec (Hoboken)

Title:		"Anatomical, Histological, and Histochemical Analyses of the Scent Glands of the Scorpion Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides)"
Author(s):		Bezerra AM; Rebelo LGB; De Sousa DF; Branco ER; Giese EG; Pereira WLA; De Lima AR;
Address:		"Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Saude e Producao Animal na Amazonia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazonia, Av. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, Montese, Belem, PA, 66077-530, Brazil. Institute of Animal Health and Production, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazonia, Av. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, Montese, Belem, PA, 66077-530, Brazil. Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Para, Rua Augusto Correa, 1 Guama, Belem, PA 66075-110, Brazil"
Journal Title:		Anat Rec (Hoboken)
Year:		2020
Volume:		20191003
Issue:		5
Page Number:		1489 - 1500
DOI:		10.1002/ar.24247
ISSN/ISBN:		1932-8494 (Electronic) 1932-8486 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Fossil evidence suggests that scent glands are basal features of Testudines. However, we know little about the structure of these glands in the Brazilian Kinosternidae. In this study, we described the macroscopic anatomy, histology, and histochemistry of the scent glands of three males and three females of Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides from the Marajo mesoregion, Para State, Brazil. In all of the specimens analyzed, regardless of sex, we found four scent glands, including two axillary and two inguinal glands that were structurally similar to each other. Each gland consisted of a single holocrine secretory lobule, a large lumen surrounded by relatively thin glandular secretory epithelium, an adjacent narrow layer of loose connective tissue, and a thick layer of skeletal striated muscle tissue surrounded by a serous tunic. The secretory epithelium produced a characteristic malodorous yellowish substance that was passed via a single duct through a bone channel in the bridge connecting the carapace to the plastron and excreted through an outer pore in the plate of each respective gland. Histologically, the secretory epithelium presented cells with two types of secretory vacuoles. Type 1 vacuoles stained red were the largest and most frequently found, and stained positively with Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), suggesting they contained glycoproteic complexes. Type 2 vacuoles were translucent, smaller in size and fewer in number, and negative for PAS staining. Because they are very primitive structures, scent glands must play important roles in the lives of chelonians, but their real function remains unknown. Several hypotheses suggest that they can act as protection against ectoparasites, as a repellent of predators, in addition to attracting mates and eliciting other pheromonal responses. In this study, all animals reacted by exuding malodorous substances when handled, as a form of defense. However, these are just assumptions that need to be clarified with additional studies on animal behavior. Anat Rec, 303:1489-1500, 2020. (c) 2019 American Association for Anatomy"
Keywords:		Animals Female Male Scent Glands/*anatomy & histology Staining and Labeling Turtles/*anatomy & histology Kinosternidae Marajo Island Rathke's gland musk gland mucua;
Notes:		"MedlineBezerra, Andrea M Rebelo, Luane G B De Sousa, Diego F Branco, Erika R Giese, Elane G Pereira, Washington L A De Lima, Ana R eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2019/08/31 Anat Rec (Hoboken). 2020 May; 303(5):1489-1500. doi: 10.1002/ar.24247. Epub 2019 Oct 3"