Abstract
In the pigeon (Columba livia), a different response of cutaneous water evaporation (CWE) is seen at different acclimation states. While in heat-acclimated pigeons the CWE at high ambient temperatures will be activated as expected, no such response to appropriate thermal stimuli is seen in cold-acclimated birds. This difference is also reflected in the function of the water barrier, which in the stratum corneum modulates the diffusion of water through the skin. In this respect, the skin of birds seems to be more dynamic than that of mammals. In mammals, the formation of this barrier by extracellular lipid lamellae derived from lamellar bodies of viable keratinocytes is a prerequisite for normal skin function. It is present in cold-acclimated pigeons, but is lacking in heat-acclimated birds. The ionic stimulus of extracellular calcium (Ca2+) has been claimed to mediate the formation of the mammalian-type barrier. In order to elucidate the role of Ca2+ in water barrier formation in avians, we studied winter-...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
