Sweat gland ductal proteins and mucopolysaccharides

The **sweat gland duct** refers to the tubular structure connecting the secretory coil of the sweat gland to the skin surface. It is composed of two layers of epithelial cells: basal and luminal. The ductal proteins include enzymes, transporters (notably for sodium and chloride ions, such as Na+/K+-ATPase), and cytoskeletal proteins associated with cell shape and barrier integrity[1][6]. **Mucopolysaccharides** (glycosaminoglycans) are present in the extracellular matrix, contributing to ductal structure and function, but are not individual molecular targets. The main physiological role of the sweat gland duct is to **reabsorb sodium and chloride ions** from the primary sweat as it passes towards the skin, resulting in hypotonic final sweat essential for electrolyte balance and thermoregulation[1][6][7]. Dysfunction can contribute to heat illnesses, but there is no specific receptor or drug directly targeting all ductal proteins or mucopolysaccharides as a group.