Variation in Cutaneous Glandular Structures in Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Samples of caudal, interdigital, preorbital, and tarsal glands from reindeer ( Rangifer t. tarandus ) were taken in September, November, December, and March. The relative amounts of sebaceous and sudoriferous epithelium and the diameter of apocrine tubuli were measured. Only the preorbital gland showed seasonal and sexual variation. The apocrine part of male glands was most developed during the rutting period in September, both in terms of the amount and diameter of tubuli, compared with females and with males at other times. Cytoplasmic blebs in the apocrine cells were seen in a few male glands, and female glands contained more fat cells. Differences found in the secretory epithelium of the caudal, interdigital, and tarsal glands are mainly due to normal individual variation. The diameter of the tubuli was the most constant variable. It is concluded that the tarsal gland is morphologically and structurally the least developed gland in reindeer.