Androgenic Control of the Harderian Gland in the Male Golden Hamster

Abstract

In the golden hamster, there are marked sex differences in the Harderian gland. Male glands (which are heavier than female glands) possess two cell forms (Type I and Type II cells); female glands only exhibit the former. Female (but not male) glands contain large amounts of porphyrin, which are readily visible as solid depositions within the lumina. The weight, histology and porphyrin content of the Harderian gland was examined in intact adult male hamsters and in male hamsters castrated for 1,2 or 8 months. Castration resulted in a significant reduction in the weight of the gland, the disappearance of Type II cells, and the presence in the gland of solid porphyrin accretions. The levels of copro- and (especially) protoporphyrin were greatly increased. These changes were more marked with time after castration. When the ability of diverse androgens (testosterone, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (androstenedione), dehydroepiandrosterone and androsterone) to prevent these changes was tested, testosterone and androstenedione maintained glandular weight. All the androgens maintained normal frequencies of Type II cells and all except dehydroepiandrosterone prevented deposition of porphyrin. The potencies of the various androgens in maintaining normal Harderian gland morphology and activity are compared with their effects on other somatic variables and sexual behaviour.

Postnatal development of cell types in the hamster Harderian gland

“…It has been reported that castration in males induces loss of type I1 cells, a gradual decrease in the number of polytubular complexes, and the appearance of membrane whorls, these changes being prevented by the simultaneous administration of testosterone (Hoffman, 1971;Lin and Nadakavukaren, 1979;Payne et al, 1977). Likewise, treatment of female hamsters with testosterone induces the appearance of polytubular complexes and large vacuoles and a decrease in the number and development of membrane formations (McMasters and Hoffman, 1984;Sun and Nadakavukaren, 1980).…”

Sexual diversity of the lipid metabolism in the Harderian gland of the golden hamster

“…Ultrastructural observations were first reported by Bucana and Nadakavukaren (1972). Two cell forms (type I and type I1 cells) were found in male glands, but female glands possessed only one form (type I cells) Norvell, 1973, 1974;Hoffman, 1971;Payne et al, 1977). They reported the androgenic control of cell types together with porphyrin contents in male glands.…”

Hormones and the control of porphyrin biosynthesis and structure in the hamster Harderian gland

“…There is a clear hormonal basis to these sex differences, since castration of the adult male will convert all gland characteristics to the female pattern within a few weeks (see Table 1, together with Lin and Nadakavukaren, 1979;Payne et al, 1977;Woolley and Worley, 1954), a change which can be prevented by androgen replacement (Hoffman, 1971;Payne et al, 1977). Similarly, administration of androgens to adult females will result in the appearance of type I1 cells and polytubular complexes and a marked decrease in both porphyrin content and porphyrinogenic enzyme activity (Spike et al, 1985;Sun and Nadakavukaren, 1980).…”