Histology, glycogen and mucosubstances histochemistry of the bulbo-urethral glands of the Philander opossum (Linnaeus, 1758).

The histology and histochemistry of glycogen and mucosubstances were studied in the 3 pairs of bulbo-urethral glands (Cowper's glands) of the Philander opossum. The glands are covered externally by connective tissue and below it by striated muscle. The stroma is scant in elastic fibers whereas the reticular ones form a delicate network around the adenomeres. The lateral and intermediate bulbo-urethral glands are formed by long and ramified tubuloalveoli presenting thin wall when filled with homogeneous secretion. The glandular ductus are lined with columnar epithelium and present a sinus at the final portion. The medial bulbo-urethral glands are the smallest and they are formed by long and ramified tubuli. The secretory epithelium shows acidophilic and clear cells. The acidophilic secretion in the lumen is globous or irregular. Neutral mucosubstances were demonstrated in all bulbo-urethral glands, whereas glycogen was found in the intermediate and the medial glands. With reference to acidic mucosubstances, the intermediate glands secrete sulfomucin while the medial glands elaborate sialomucin.