The presence of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers in the bull vesicular gland

Vesicular gland is a compact, lobulated organ surrounded by a capsule of dense irregular connective tissue with a few smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers as supporting and contractile structures were examined in the vesicular glands (VG) of the bull by the immunohistochemical method. The elastin and -smooth muscle actin (á-SMA) antibodies were used for their detection. Bundles of smooth muscle cells (SMC) positive for smooth muscle actin form thick muscular layer of the gland. Elastic fibers as loose network are inserted among the muscle cells and the bundles of the muscular layer. Thick connective tissue trabeculae rich in smooth muscle cells were seen to arrise from the muscle layer and enter the mucosa. In the stroma of the mucosa layer, smooth muscle cells form bands of different dimensions and arangement. Individual smooth muscle cells were seen just beneath the secretory epithelium. An accumulation of elastic fibers was seen in the connective tissue that separates the secretory alveoles. Dense concentration of elastic fibers have been seen to be located close to secretory epithelium. High accumulation of elastic fibers of the vesicular gland together with smooth muscle cells are supposed to participate in a rapid releasing of the secretory product and rearrangement of the mucosa during and after the ejection.