Alterations during postnatal period in the secretory responsiveness of the sweat glands in rats to mecholyl.

A study was made to know the alterations in the secretory responsiveness of the plantar and palmar sweat glands to local administration of mecholyl in rats during postnatal period. Nonresponsiveness of the plantar and palmar sweat glands to mecholyl was observed in 0- to 16-day-old and 0- to 10-day-old rats, respectively. After the nonresponsive period, a gradual increase in the responsiveness to mecholyl was observed in the plantar sweat glands. In the palmar sweat glands, however, a rapid increase followed by a temporary decrease and a subsequent gradual increase in the secretory responsiveness to mecholyl was found. This temporary decrease in the secretory responsiveness was observed on days soon after weaning.