Pathology of tumours in laboratory animals. Tumours of the rat. Tumours of the Harderian gland
Elwell, M.R.; Boorman, G.A.
Iarc Scientific Publications 99: 79-87
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5038 PMID: 2093669 Document Number: 4427
The Harderian and lacrimal glands are the two major glands associated with the eye. The lacrimal gland (infraorbital and extraorbital) is discussed in the chapter with the salivary glands. Although studied extensively with respect to its morphology, physiology and biochemistry, the function of the Harderian gland in the rat is still not well understood. The Harderian gland produces a lipid secretion and although lubrication of the eye is a possible function, lipid is not an important lubricant for the eye in most terrestrial animals. Additional functions related to pheromonal effects and photoreception have been proposed for the Harderian gland in the rat (Sakai, 1981). The Harderian gland also produces melatonin and porphyrins, including harderoporphyrin, which was first identified in this gland (Kennedy, 1970). The characteristic red-pigmented tears of rats are the result of porphyrins in the Harderian gland secretion. A brief description of the normal structure and function of the Harderian gland is provided and followed by a discussion of the tumours; more extensive reports on the biochemistry, anatomy and histology are detailed by Sakai (1981), Grafflin (1942) and Hebel and Stromberg (1986).
Document emailed within 1 workday
