+44-1518-081136- International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (2015) Volume 3, Issue 3
Ultrastructure of Scent Glands of Soft-Furred Field Rat Millardia Meltada (Gray, 1837): An Attempt for Effective Rodent Pest Management
The present investigations were carried out to study the ultrastructure of four different scent glands (Preputial, Flank, Armpit and Cheek glands) in soft-furred field rat Millardia meltada. The size and weights of the glands were measured to reveal any variation among the glands irrespective of sex. The transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study gives a clear picture about the secretary functions of the scent glands. The morphological parameters significantly varied from gland to gland and male to female. All the scent glands are modified sebaceous glands comprising of irregular shaped lobules or follicles or acini. The proportions of sebaceous and apocrine units differ from gland to gland. The secretary droplets accumulate in the cells until they become engorged and die and the debris pass along with the secretion through the ducts. The TEM analysis showed that the attracting substances are mixed along with the lipid droplets.
Author(s): S. Kalaiyarasan, and A. Amsath