The Harderian gland: Endocrine function and hormonal control.

General and Comparative Endocrinology
Alessandra SantilloLoredana Di Matteo

Abstract

The Harderian gland (HG) is an exocrine gland located within the eye socket in a variety of tetrapods. During the 1980s and 1990s the HG elicited great interest in the scientific community due to its morphological and functional complexity, and from a phylogenetic point of view. A comparative approach has contributed to a better understanding of its physiology. Whereas the chemical nature of its secretions (mucous, serous or lipids) varies between different groups of tetrapods, the lipids represent the more common component among different species. Indeed, besides being an accessory to lubricate the nictitating membrane, the lipids may have a pheromonal function. Porphyrins and melatonin secretion is a feature of the rodent HG. The porphyrins, being phototransducers, could modulate HG melatonin production. The melatonin synthesis suggests an involvement of the HG in the retinal-pineal axis. Finally, StAR protein and steroidogenic enzyme activities in the rat HG suggests that the gland contributes to steroid hormone synthesis. Over the past twenty years, much has become known on the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) HG, unique among rodents in displaying a remarkable sexual dimorphism concerning the contents of porphyrins and melat...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 20, 2020·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology·Xiao-Tong KongLai-Xiang Xu
Jun 3, 2021·Antioxidants·Adrián Santos-LedoMarina García-Macia
May 18, 2021·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular & Integrative Physiology·L Mares, L Ramos

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