A source of cutaneous maternal semiochemicals in the mink?
Unique hypertrophic apocrine sweat glands are described in the neck, perineal and inguinal skin of mink kits. These glands enlarge after birth, only to regress rapidly and become vestigal by weaning. No similar phenomenon has been recognized before in mammals. Behavioral studies indicate a possible role for the glandular secretion in maternal recognition of the young.
Yager
J A
JA
Department of Pathology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Hunter
D B
DB
Wilson
M R
MR
Allen
O B
OB
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001050:Apocrine Glands / Q000032:analysis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D008907:Mink / Q000502:physiology*; D010675:Pheromones / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013545:Sweat Glands / Q000502:physiology*
D010675:Pheromones