Further aspects of the general antimicrobial properties ofpinniped skin secretions

[摘要] ABSTRACT: In 2 pinniped species with varying hair densities (the northern fur seal Callorhinus ursinus, and the common seal Phoca vitulina), the enzyme lysozyme and the peptide group β-defensins are demonstratedfor the first time as products of the apocrine glands and the sebaceous glands in the common integument of mammals. These antimicrobial substances are also found in the epithelial lining of the hair follicles, between the corneal lamellae of theepidermis, and in dermal histiocytes. Thus, it becomes obvious that another general defense mechanism against microbes, in addition to free sugars (Meyer et al. [2000] Aspects of general properties of skin secretions in the common seal Phocavitulina. Dis Aquat Org 41:77-79), is active on the skin surface of haired marine mammals to which glandular lysozyme and defensins are regularly transported, so that this biotope is protected against the proliferation of potential pathogens, e.g.bacteria and fungi.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] Antimicrobial substances;Seals;Skin surface· Skin defense