Vimentin-and Desmin-Positive Cells in the Moulting Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) Skin

The distribution of vimentin- and desmin-positive cells in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) dermis was investigated by means of immunohistochemical reactivity with the commercially available (Euro-Diagnostics) polyclonal antibodies. The staining pattern for vimentin in the paraffin sections was generally comparable to that in other animal species with regard to endothelial cells, vascular wall cells, muscle cells and fibroblasts. The modified Schwann cells in the inner core of the Herbst corpuscles reacted distinctly with anti-vimentin and anti-desmin. Some connective tissue cells in the superficial dermal layer, in the feather papilla and along the pulp core inside of the regenerating feathers were particularly well stained with anti-vimentin. Fibroblast-like cells of the regenerating feathers, particularly at the base of the pulp, also reacted strongly with anti-desmin. The findings were discussed with regard to references.