Demonstration of NADPH-diaphorase (NO-synthase) in the apocrine and eccrine skin glands of domesticated mammals.

The study demonstrates a strong enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical reaction staining for NADPH-diaphorase/NO-synthase in the secretory cells of the apocrine glands in the hairy skin, and the eccrine glands in the foot pads of domesticated mammals. The results obtained are discussed in view of a regulatory action of the NO generated by these enzyme activities, implying a direct influence of NO on the contractile properties of glandular myoepithelial cells. In this way, a basic and simple mechanism to couple secretion production and secretion extrusion can be proposed.