A Polysaccharide-Containing Cell Coat on Keratinizing Cells of the Romney Wool Follicle

Abstract

The periodic acid-silver methenamine test revealed the presence of a polysaccharide- containing cell coat on the surfaces of keratinizing cells of the Romney wool follicle. This coat was present throughout the changes involving cellular adhesion, cell growth, and cell shape which occur before keratinization is complete. Once these changes were complete, the cell membrane, or regions close to it, and the cell coat of the cortex and the cortex cuticle cells became modified. Modifications of the cell membrane, or regions close to it, in the inner root sheath occurred on or just prior to hardening of these cells.