Histoanatomy of anal glands.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the histology of adult anal glands using conventional as well as immunochemical methods.

METHODS

Fifteen fresh human ani were prepared and stained with conventional and immunohistologic stains.

RESULTS

The median number of anal glands in each anus was six (range, 3-10). Sixty-eight (80 percent) of 85 anal glands found were submucosal in extent, seven (8 percent) extended to the circular internal sphincter, seven (8 percent) to the longitudinal internal sphincter, two (2 percent) to the intersphincteric space, and only one (1 percent) penetrated the external anal sphincter. Ampulla-like dilations were noted in anal glands from ten patients only, occurring at the submucosal level in seven ani and at the circular internal sphincter in three ani. Lymphocytic infiltrations were noted around the glands in all ani studied. Mucus-secreting cells were found in all ani, and many glands showed the presence of intraluminal secretions. Immunostaining for smooth muscle actin showed the presence of one to two cell layers of myoepithelial cells surrounding all anal glands.

CONCLUSIONS

Anal glands are definite preformed structures with secretory activity.