Apoeccrine glands

Intermediate axillary sweat gland type with morphological and functional features of both eccrine and apocrine glands (Sato K et al. 1987). This is found at the onset of puberty as a mixed form of apocrine and eccrine glands.

Its basal part is segmental and dilated. The electron microscopic pattern of the dilated segment is often indistinguishable from that of the classic apocrine gland. However, the long thin excretory duct does not open into a hair follicle but into the free skin. This corresponds to the morphological pattern of eccrine glands. Under cholinergic stimulation they secrete a clear secretion.

1. Bechara FG (2008) Do we have apoeccrine sweat glands? Int J Cosmet Sci 30:67-68
2. Bovell DL et al (2007) The absence of apoeccrine glands in the human axilla has pathogenetic implications, including axillary hyperhidrosis. Br J Dermatol 156:1278-1286.
3. Sato K et al (1987) Morphology and development of an apoeccrine sweat gland in human axillae. Am J Physiol 252:R166-180.
4. Scrivener Y et al (2002) Morphology of the glandes sudorales. Morphology 86: 5-17.