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D L Bovell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the human Eccrine Sweat Gland structure function and disorders
Journal of local and global health science, 2015Co-Authors: D L BovellAbstract:The ability to thermoregulate is a key component in allowing humans to live and work in a variety of torrid environments. A key thermoregulatory component is the role the skin plays in dissipating heat, through vasodilation of skin blood vessels and its critical role in the secretion of Sweat. The role of Sweating has for a long time been regarded primarily as the main function of the human Eccrine Sweat Gland, although it has been known for a considerable length of time that Sweat, produced in response to heat and exercise, was more than just a salt solution and contained a variety of other substances in addition to electrolytes. Recent studies have shown that there is more to the human Eccrine Gland, such as manufacturing and releasing compounds that contribute to the defensive barrier of the skin, as well as stem cells present in the Gland, having a role to play re-epithelialization of the skin in response to wound healing. Disorders of Sweat Glands and the resultant conditions, most often relate to de...
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galanin is a modulator of Eccrine Sweat Gland secretion
Experimental Dermatology, 2013Co-Authors: D L Bovell, Barbara Kofler, Barbara S Holub, Olutayo Odusanwo, Bernhard Brodowicz, Isabella Rauch, Roland LangAbstract:The neuropeptide galanin has been ascribed different roles in modulating physiological functions in the skin. The present study examined the function of galanin in Eccrine Sweat Gland physiology. We demonstrated secretion of galanin by Sweat Glands in vivo by radioimmunoassay of human Sweat (20–192 fmol galanin/ml). Furthermore, human Sweat Glands expressed galanin receptors GalR2 and GalR3. Using chamber short-circuit current (Isc) measurements showed that application of galanin to human NCL-SG3 cells led to a significant increase in Isc, which was inhibited by the presence of chloride channel blockers and in chloride-free Krebs solution. Additionally, application of SNAP 37889, a non-peptidergic selective antagonist of GalR3, abolished the effect of galanin on Isc. In summary, our results show that galanin can regulate transepithelial chloride ion transport and fluid secretion by stimulating GalR3 in NCL-SG3 cells and demonstrate a possible important extraneural function of galanin in Sweat Gland physiology.
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activation of chloride secretion via proteinase activated receptor 2 in a human Eccrine Sweat Gland cell line ncl sg3
Experimental Dermatology, 2008Co-Authors: D L Bovell, Radmila Santic, Barbara Kofler, Anton Hermann, Darius Wilson, Alistair D Corbett, Roland LangAbstract:Abstract: Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) has been shown to elicit secretion in a variety of secretory epithelial cells by the transepithelial movement of chloride ions across the apical membrane. However, it is not known whether these receptors are present and/or functional in the secretory epithelial cells of the human Eccrine Sweat Gland. To investigate this possibility mRNA analysis, Ca2+ microspectrofluorimetry and the short circuit current (Isc) technique were used to quantify electrolyte transport in a cell line (NCL-SG3) derived from human Eccrine Sweat Gland secretory epithelia. The results provided molecular and functional evidence of the presence of PAR-2 receptors in the NCL-SG3 cells and show that these receptors can activate transepithelial Cl− secretion possibly via Ca2+-activated Cl− channels.
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Localisation of the Vacuolar Proton Pump (V-H^+-ATPase) and Carbonic Anhydrase II in the Human Eccrine Sweat Gland
Journal of Molecular Histology, 2004Co-Authors: M T Clunes, P M Quinton, S L Lindsay, E Roussa, D L BovellAbstract:The localisation of the vacuolar proton pump (V-H^+-ATPase) and the enzyme carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) was investigated in the human Eccrine Sweat Gland employing standard immunohistochemical techniques after antigen retrieval using microwave heat treatment and high pressure. The high-pressure antigen retrieval unmasked the presence of V-H^+-ATPase in the clear cells of the secretory coil, with a distribution similar to that previously observed for CAII. However, the dark cells were unreactive to both antibodies. In addition, heat and high-pressure antigen retrieval demonstrated the presence of CAII in the apical zone of luminal cells of the reabsorptive duct, a location not previously reported. The localisation of V-H^+-ATPase and CAII in the secretory coil clear cells suggests that (the) formation of HCO^− _3 and H^+ by carbonic anhydrase II and the transport of H^+ by V-H^+-ATPase may play an role in Sweat fluid secretion. Their presence at the apex of the duct cells indicates involvement in ductal ion reabsorption.
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localisation of the vacuolar proton pump v h atpase and carbonic anhydrase ii in the human Eccrine Sweat Gland
Journal of Molecular Histology, 2003Co-Authors: M T Clunes, P M Quinton, S L Lindsay, E Roussa, D L BovellAbstract:The localisation of the vacuolar proton pump (V-H+-ATPase) and the enzyme carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) was investigated in the human Eccrine Sweat Gland employing standard immunohistochemical techniques after antigen retrieval using microwave heat treatment and high pressure. The high-pressure antigen retrieval unmasked the presence of V-H+-ATPase in the clear cells of the secretory coil, with a distribution similar to that previously observed for CAII. However, the dark cells were unreactive to both antibodies. In addition, heat and high-pressure antigen retrieval demonstrated the presence of CAII in the apical zone of luminal cells of the reabsorptive duct, a location not previously reported. The localisation of V-H+-ATPase and CAII in the secretory coil clear cells suggests that (the) formation of HCO−3 and H+ by carbonic anhydrase II and the transport of H+ by V-H+-ATPase may play an role in Sweat fluid secretion. Their presence at the apex of the duct cells indicates involvement in ductal ion reabsorption.
Ernst Reichmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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de novo epidermal regeneration using human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells higher competence of secretory over absorptive cells
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2014Co-Authors: Luca Pontiggia, Thomas Biedermann, Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Erik Braziulis, Martin Meuli, Claudia Meulisimmen, Carol Oliveira, Agnieszka S Klar, Ernst ReichmannAbstract:In our previous work, we showed that human Sweat Gland-derived epithelial cells represent an alternative source of keratinocytes to grow a near normal autologous epidermis. The role of subtypes of Sweat Gland cells in epidermal regeneration and maintenance remained unclear. In this study, we compare the regenerative potential of both secretory and absorptive Sweat Gland cell subpopulations. We demonstrate the superiority of secretory over absorptive cells in forming a new epidermis on two levels: first, the proliferative and colony-forming efficiencies in vitro are significantly higher for secretory cells (SCs), and second, SCs show a higher frequency of successful epidermis formation as well as an increase in the thickness of the formed epidermis in the in vitro and in vivo functional analyses using a 3D dermo-epidermal skin model. However, the ability of forming functional skin substitutes is not limited to SCs, which supports the hypothesis that multiple subtypes of Sweat Gland epithelial cells hold regenerative properties, while the existence and exact localization of a keratinocyte stem cell population in the human Eccrine Sweat Gland remain elusive.
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human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can reconstitute a stratified epidermis
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010Co-Authors: Thomas Biedermann, Luca Pontiggia, Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Sasha J Tharakan, Erik Braziulis, Clemens Schiestl, Martin Meuli, Ernst ReichmannAbstract:Eccrine Sweat Glands are generally considered to be a possible epidermal stem cell source. Here we compared the multilayered epithelia formed by epidermal keratinocytes and those formed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. We demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo the capability of human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells to form a stratified interfollicular epidermis substitute on collagen hydrogels. This is substantiated by the following findings: (1) a stratified epidermis consisting of 10–12 cell layers is formed by Sweat Gland cells; (2) a distinct stratum corneum develops and is maintained after transplantation onto immuno-incompetent rats; (3) proteins such as filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin, and transglutaminases I and III match with the pattern of the normal human skin; (4) junctional complexes and hemidesmosomes are readily and regularly established; (5) cell proliferation in the basal layer reaches homeostatic levels; (6) the Sweat Gland-derived epidermis is anchored by hemidesmosomes within a well-developed basal lamina; and (7) palmo-plantar or mucosal markers are not expressed in the Sweat Gland-derived epidermis. These data suggest that human Eccrine Sweat Glands are an additional source of keratinocytes that can generate a stratified epidermis. Our findings raise the question of the extent to which the human skin is repaired and/or permanently renewed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells.
Thomas Biedermann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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de novo epidermal regeneration using human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells higher competence of secretory over absorptive cells
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2014Co-Authors: Luca Pontiggia, Thomas Biedermann, Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Erik Braziulis, Martin Meuli, Claudia Meulisimmen, Carol Oliveira, Agnieszka S Klar, Ernst ReichmannAbstract:In our previous work, we showed that human Sweat Gland-derived epithelial cells represent an alternative source of keratinocytes to grow a near normal autologous epidermis. The role of subtypes of Sweat Gland cells in epidermal regeneration and maintenance remained unclear. In this study, we compare the regenerative potential of both secretory and absorptive Sweat Gland cell subpopulations. We demonstrate the superiority of secretory over absorptive cells in forming a new epidermis on two levels: first, the proliferative and colony-forming efficiencies in vitro are significantly higher for secretory cells (SCs), and second, SCs show a higher frequency of successful epidermis formation as well as an increase in the thickness of the formed epidermis in the in vitro and in vivo functional analyses using a 3D dermo-epidermal skin model. However, the ability of forming functional skin substitutes is not limited to SCs, which supports the hypothesis that multiple subtypes of Sweat Gland epithelial cells hold regenerative properties, while the existence and exact localization of a keratinocyte stem cell population in the human Eccrine Sweat Gland remain elusive.
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human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells turn into melanin uptaking keratinocytes in dermo epidermal skin substitutes
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013Co-Authors: Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Thomas Biedermann, Luca Pontiggia, Erik Braziulis, Clemens Schiestl, Bart Hendriks, Ossia M Eichhoff, Daniel S Widmer, Claudia Meulisimmen, Martin MeuliAbstract:Recently, Biedermann et al. (2010) have demonstrated that human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can develop a multilayered epidermis. The question still remains whether these cells can fulfill exclusive and very specific functional properties of epidermal keratinocytes, such as the incorporation of melanin, a feature absent in Sweat Gland cells. We added human melanocytes to Eccrine Sweat Gland cells to let them develop into an epidermal analog in vivo. The interaction between melanocytes and Sweat Gland–derived keratinocytes was investigated. The following results were gained: (1) macroscopically, a pigmentation of the substitutes was seen 2–3 weeks after transplantation; (2) we confirmed the development of a multilayered, stratified epidermis with melanocytes distributed evenly throughout the basal layer; (3) melanocytic dendrites projected to suprabasal layers; and (4) melanin was observed to be integrated into former Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. These skin substitutes were similar or equal to skin substitutes cultured from human epidermal keratinocytes. The only differences observed were a delay in pigmentation and less melanin uptake. These data suggest that Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can form a functional epidermal melanin unit, thereby providing striking evidence that they can assume one of the most characteristic keratinocyte properties.
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Human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can reconstitute a stratified epidermis
2011Co-Authors: Thomas BiedermannAbstract:The major goal of this work was to investigate whether human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells, in analogy to cells of the hair-follicle bulge, exhibit the capacity to develop into a functional epidermis. Conclusive results towards this question were not reported so far. To address this issue, I generated dermo-epidermal skin substitutes in vitro. All skin substitutes were based on collagen hydrogels, containing human primary dermal fibroblasts within the gel, and Eccrine Sweat Gland cells on the gel (or epidermal keratinocytes as controls). Skin substitutes generated in vitro were transplanted onto the backs of immuno-incompetent rats and the expression of epidermal markers, indicative of the grade of homeostasis and differentiation, was determined. In addition, potential stem cell markers were tested. I was able to demonstrate both, in vitro and in vivo, the capability of human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells to form a stratified interfollicular epidermal substitute on collagen hydrogels (Biedermann, 2010). This was substantiated by the following findings: (1) A stratified epidermis consisting of 10-12 cell layers is formed by Sweat Gland cells. (2) A distinct stratum corneum develops and is maintained after transplantation onto immuno-incompetent rats. (3) Indicative proteins, such as filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin, and transglutaminases I and III, are matching the characteristic expression pattern of normal human skin. (4) Junctional complexes and hemidesmosomes are readily and regularly established. (5) Cell proliferation in the basal layer reaches homeostatic levels. (6) The Sweat Gland derived epidermis is anchored by hemidesmosomes within a well developed basal lamina. (7) Palmoplantar or mucosal markers are not expressed in the Sweat Gland derived epidermis. These data suggest that human Eccrine Sweat Glands are an additional source of keratinocytes that can generate a stratified epidermis. Based on these findings a novel question arises, namely as to which extent human skin is repaired and/or permanently renewed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. I am presently determining if Sweat Gland cells forming an epidermis are capable to take up melanin, produced by melanocytes (Biedermann, in preparation). If so, this would prove that Sweat Gland cells are indeed fully differentiated epidermal keratinocytes, because this characteristic was never observed before to be a property of Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. Das Hauptziel dieser Arbeit war es, nachzuweisen, ob humane ekkrine Schweissdrusenzellen, in Analogie zum Haarfollikel-Bulge, die Fahigkeit besitzen, eine Epidermis zu bilden. Eindeutige Resultate hinsichtlich dieser Fragestellung wurden bisher nicht gezeigt. Ich habe dazu dermo-epidermale Hautsubstitute hergestellt. Diese Hautsubstitute basieren auf Kollagenhydrogelen, die humane primare dermale Fibroblasten im Gel enthalten und auf deren Oberflache ekkrine Schweissdrusenzellen (oder aber normale epidermal Keratinozyten – als Kontrollzellen) aufgebracht wurden. Die auf Vollhautwunden immun-inkompetenter Nacktratten transplantierten Substitute wurden auf epidermale Marker der Gewebshomeostase und der Hautdifferenzierung, aber auch bezuglich potentieller Stammzellmarker getestet. Ich konnte nachweisen, dass humane ekkrine Schweissdrusenzellen sowohl in vitro als auch in vivo fahig sind, eine stratifizierte interfollikulare Epidermis auf Kollagen-Hydrogelen zu bilden (Biedermann, 2010). Dies wird durch folgenden Befunde untermauert: (1) Eine stratifizierte Epidermis, bestehend aus 10-12 Zellschichten, wird durch Schweissdrusenzellen gebildet. (2) Es entwickelt sich ein ausgepragtes Stratum Corneum, das auch nach Transplantation auf immuninkompetente Ratten vorhanden ist. (3) Proteine wie Filaggrin, Loricrin, Involucrin, Envoplakin, Periplakin, Transglutaminase I und III zeigen das gleiche charakteristische Expressionsmuster wie in normaler humaner Haut. (4) Junctionale Komplexe und Hemidesmosomen werden etabliert. (5) Die Zellproliferation in der basalen Schicht erreicht ein homoestatisches Niveau. (6) Die aus Schweissdrusenzellen resultierende Epidermis ist durch Hemidesmosomen auf einer gut entwickelten Basallamina verankert. (7) In der aus Schweissdrusenzellen gebildeten Epidermis sind keine palmo-plantaren oder mukosalen Marker vorhanden. Diese Resultate sind ein starker Beleg dafur, dass Schweissdrusen eine zusatzliche Quelle fur epidermale Keratinocyten sind, die eine stratifizierte Epidermis bilden konnen. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse erlauben nun mehr die weiterfuhrende Frage, in welchem Ausmass ekkrine Schweissdrusenzellen fahig sind, die humane Haut zu reparieren und/oder sie standig zu erneuern. Gegenwartig versuche ich nachzuweisen, ob Schweissdrusenzellen, die eine Epidermis bilden, Melanin aufnehmen konnen, welches Melanocyten produziert haben (Biedermann, in preparation). Dies wurde zusatzlich unterstreichen, dass Schweissdrusenzellen voll funktionsfahige epidermale Keratinocyten sind, da dies eine Eigenschaft ist, die nicht bei Schweissdrusenzellen, die als solche in der Schweissdruse funktionieren, beobachtet werden kann.
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human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can reconstitute a stratified epidermis
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010Co-Authors: Thomas Biedermann, Luca Pontiggia, Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Sasha J Tharakan, Erik Braziulis, Clemens Schiestl, Martin Meuli, Ernst ReichmannAbstract:Eccrine Sweat Glands are generally considered to be a possible epidermal stem cell source. Here we compared the multilayered epithelia formed by epidermal keratinocytes and those formed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. We demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo the capability of human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells to form a stratified interfollicular epidermis substitute on collagen hydrogels. This is substantiated by the following findings: (1) a stratified epidermis consisting of 10–12 cell layers is formed by Sweat Gland cells; (2) a distinct stratum corneum develops and is maintained after transplantation onto immuno-incompetent rats; (3) proteins such as filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin, and transglutaminases I and III match with the pattern of the normal human skin; (4) junctional complexes and hemidesmosomes are readily and regularly established; (5) cell proliferation in the basal layer reaches homeostatic levels; (6) the Sweat Gland-derived epidermis is anchored by hemidesmosomes within a well-developed basal lamina; and (7) palmo-plantar or mucosal markers are not expressed in the Sweat Gland-derived epidermis. These data suggest that human Eccrine Sweat Glands are an additional source of keratinocytes that can generate a stratified epidermis. Our findings raise the question of the extent to which the human skin is repaired and/or permanently renewed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells.
Luca Pontiggia - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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de novo epidermal regeneration using human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells higher competence of secretory over absorptive cells
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2014Co-Authors: Luca Pontiggia, Thomas Biedermann, Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Erik Braziulis, Martin Meuli, Claudia Meulisimmen, Carol Oliveira, Agnieszka S Klar, Ernst ReichmannAbstract:In our previous work, we showed that human Sweat Gland-derived epithelial cells represent an alternative source of keratinocytes to grow a near normal autologous epidermis. The role of subtypes of Sweat Gland cells in epidermal regeneration and maintenance remained unclear. In this study, we compare the regenerative potential of both secretory and absorptive Sweat Gland cell subpopulations. We demonstrate the superiority of secretory over absorptive cells in forming a new epidermis on two levels: first, the proliferative and colony-forming efficiencies in vitro are significantly higher for secretory cells (SCs), and second, SCs show a higher frequency of successful epidermis formation as well as an increase in the thickness of the formed epidermis in the in vitro and in vivo functional analyses using a 3D dermo-epidermal skin model. However, the ability of forming functional skin substitutes is not limited to SCs, which supports the hypothesis that multiple subtypes of Sweat Gland epithelial cells hold regenerative properties, while the existence and exact localization of a keratinocyte stem cell population in the human Eccrine Sweat Gland remain elusive.
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human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells turn into melanin uptaking keratinocytes in dermo epidermal skin substitutes
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013Co-Authors: Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Thomas Biedermann, Luca Pontiggia, Erik Braziulis, Clemens Schiestl, Bart Hendriks, Ossia M Eichhoff, Daniel S Widmer, Claudia Meulisimmen, Martin MeuliAbstract:Recently, Biedermann et al. (2010) have demonstrated that human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can develop a multilayered epidermis. The question still remains whether these cells can fulfill exclusive and very specific functional properties of epidermal keratinocytes, such as the incorporation of melanin, a feature absent in Sweat Gland cells. We added human melanocytes to Eccrine Sweat Gland cells to let them develop into an epidermal analog in vivo. The interaction between melanocytes and Sweat Gland–derived keratinocytes was investigated. The following results were gained: (1) macroscopically, a pigmentation of the substitutes was seen 2–3 weeks after transplantation; (2) we confirmed the development of a multilayered, stratified epidermis with melanocytes distributed evenly throughout the basal layer; (3) melanocytic dendrites projected to suprabasal layers; and (4) melanin was observed to be integrated into former Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. These skin substitutes were similar or equal to skin substitutes cultured from human epidermal keratinocytes. The only differences observed were a delay in pigmentation and less melanin uptake. These data suggest that Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can form a functional epidermal melanin unit, thereby providing striking evidence that they can assume one of the most characteristic keratinocyte properties.
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human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells can reconstitute a stratified epidermis
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010Co-Authors: Thomas Biedermann, Luca Pontiggia, Sophie Bottcherhaberzeth, Sasha J Tharakan, Erik Braziulis, Clemens Schiestl, Martin Meuli, Ernst ReichmannAbstract:Eccrine Sweat Glands are generally considered to be a possible epidermal stem cell source. Here we compared the multilayered epithelia formed by epidermal keratinocytes and those formed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells. We demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo the capability of human Eccrine Sweat Gland cells to form a stratified interfollicular epidermis substitute on collagen hydrogels. This is substantiated by the following findings: (1) a stratified epidermis consisting of 10–12 cell layers is formed by Sweat Gland cells; (2) a distinct stratum corneum develops and is maintained after transplantation onto immuno-incompetent rats; (3) proteins such as filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin, and transglutaminases I and III match with the pattern of the normal human skin; (4) junctional complexes and hemidesmosomes are readily and regularly established; (5) cell proliferation in the basal layer reaches homeostatic levels; (6) the Sweat Gland-derived epidermis is anchored by hemidesmosomes within a well-developed basal lamina; and (7) palmo-plantar or mucosal markers are not expressed in the Sweat Gland-derived epidermis. These data suggest that human Eccrine Sweat Glands are an additional source of keratinocytes that can generate a stratified epidermis. Our findings raise the question of the extent to which the human skin is repaired and/or permanently renewed by Eccrine Sweat Gland cells.
Yoshito Eizuru - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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human t cell lymphotropic virus type i infects Eccrine Sweat Gland epithelia
International Journal of Cancer, 1999Co-Authors: Mitsuru Setoyama, Shimako Mizoguchi, Yoshito EizuruAbstract:Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is known to be associated with several non-neoplastic inflammatory disorders such as HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, arthropathy, uveitis and lymphadenitis, in addition to neoplastic adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). A strong relation between HTLV-I infection and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) has been reported, and impaired Sweating in SS is well known. We have often encountered dry skin in patients with ATLL. On the basis of these observations, we aimed to determine whether HTLV-I infection is present in isolated Sweat Glands. Eccrine Gland epithelia were isolated from full thickness skin biopsies from 8 HTLV-I-seropositive and 7 seronegative individuals using dispase in Eagle's minimum essential medium supplemented with 13% fetal calf serum. We detected HTLV-IpX sequences in samples of Eccrine Sweat Gland epithelia from 4 samples of the 8 seropositive individuals using nested polymerase chain reaction, but all 7 samples from the seronegative donors had no signal corresponding to the sequence. Our results were confirmed by dot blot hybridization. Our results suggest that Eccrine epithelium is one of the target organs of HTLV-I infection. Int. J. Cancer 80:652–655, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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human t cell lymphotropic virus type i infects Eccrine Sweat Gland epithelia
International Journal of Cancer, 1999Co-Authors: Mitsuru Setoyama, Shimako Mizoguchi, Yoshito EizuruAbstract:Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is known to be associated with several non-neoplastic inflammatory disorders such as HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, arthropathy, uveitis and lymphadenitis, in addition to neoplastic adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). A strong relation between HTLV-I infection and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) has been reported, and impaired Sweating in SS is well known. We have often encountered dry skin in patients with ATLL. On the basis of these observations, we aimed to determine whether HTLV-I infection is present in isolated Sweat Glands. Eccrine Gland epithelia were isolated from full thickness skin biopsies from 8 HTLV-I-seropositive and 7 seronegative individuals using dispase in Eagle's minimum essential medium supplemented with 13% fetal calf serum. We detected HTLV-IpX sequences in samples of Eccrine Sweat Gland epithelia from 4 samples of the 8 seropositive individuals using nested polymerase chain reaction, but all 7 samples from the seronegative donors had no signal corresponding to the sequence. Our results were confirmed by dot blot hybridization. Our results suggest that Eccrine epithelium is one of the target organs of HTLV-I infection.