Localization of cytokeratin and smooth muscle actin in the accessory genital glands of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) during rutting and non-rutting seasons

The present study has disclosed for the first time the distribution of cytokeratin (CK) and  smooth muscle actin (SMA) in the accessory genital glands of camel. In prostate, CK was localized in the cytoplasm of columnar cells of secretory acini and in the scanty cytoplasm of basal cells. Conversely, no expression was seen in the capsule, fibromuscular septa, and blood vessels. In the ampulla of ductus deferens, the CK reaction was found in the pseudostratified columnar epithelium of mucosa and in the secretory columnar epithelium of submucosal glands. However, no reaction was evident in the surrounding connective tissue. In the bulbourethral gland, CK reaction was exclusively observed in the pyramidal cells of type A and type C secretory units as well as in the lining epithelium of the duct system. No CK staining was however detected in the cuboidal cells of the type B secretory acini and in the surrounding connective tissue stroma. Generally, no SMA staining was evident within the lining epithelium of the secretory units of the accessory genital glands of camel either in rutting or non-rutting period. SMA was localized to the smooth muscle cells of the prostatic capsule, fibromuscular stroma and blood vessels. Nevertheless, no SMA was evident within the lining epithelium of the secretory units. In the ampulla, SMA reaction was seen in the smooth muscle of tunica muscularis, fibromuscular stroma and blood vessels. In the bulbourethral gland, SMA was only localized to the smooth muscle cells of the