Dataset: Skin development in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica, Marsupialia) - data

The skin development in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) has been examined applying histological, morphometric and µCT methods. The aim of the study is to follow the structural and functional transition of the skin in this immature marsupial species.The skin of the newborn gray short-tailed opossum is thin and undifferentiated (no hair follicles, no sebaceous and sweat glands). Numerous subepidermal capillaries allow for gaseous exchange via the skin. Structural development of the skin in the postnatal period includes reduction of capillaries, thickening of the dermis and epidermis, resulting in an increase in total skin thickness. The formation of hair follicles and sweat glands between 28-35 days indicate the onset of thermoregulation. The cardiac and respiratory systems are immature at birth. A fenestrated interatrial septum is present for the first four days. Between day 4 and day 7 the lung enters the saccular stage of lung development and is mature enough to meet the respiratory needs of the growing organism.During a long period of postnatal development, the structural differentiation of the skin results in a functional shift from transcutaneous gas exchange to thermoregulation in later life. This dataset includes data to the publication "Skin development in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) – structural and functional transformation from cutaneous respiration to thermoregulation".