Harderian gland of flying and non-flying birds: morphological, histological, and histochemical studies

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study is to describe the morphological and histological features of Harderian gland (HG) in long-legged wadding bird (ibis) and different domestic birds (duck, goose, and pigeon). The HG of forty adult male and female from the four avian species constituted the material of the study. Result: The HG extended from the optic nerve to the rostral part of the eyeball presents two extremities, one posterior and other anterior, from which the excretory duct was arisen. Between two extremities of the gland, middle groove is present in case of duck and geese, while middle isthmus is present in case of ibis. In pigeon, the gland appeared pointed oval in shape. Microscopically, the HG was multilobular; each lobule was composed of secretory acini that were lined by a single layer of columnar epithelium. In all studied birds, a single duct located centrally with an irregular lumen. In goose, there were crypts along the duct while in duck, the central lumen had villi-like folds projected into the central canal of the tubules. In ibis, the irregular lumen was narrow and elongated while in pigeon, the gland had a central cavity that collected the secretion from tubules arranged radially around the cavity; also, the gland mainly contained both acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides. Conclusion: This work revealed that the histological structure of HG in the four avian species showed characteristic features and thus explained the relationship between their habits and behavior on the structure of this gland.

Morphometric and Histochemical Features of the Harderian Gland in Rabbits with Different Types of Autonomous Regulation

“…Unlike rabbits, other mammals and birds contain acidic mucosubstances in the tubular alveoli of the gland (36,37,38). This indicates significant species-specific features in the Harderian gland's functioning.…”

Morphological and functional relationship between the orbital gland and olfaction in Upupa epops (hoopoe) and Bubulcus ibis (cattle egret)

“…Numerous studies (i.e. Beheiry et al, 2020; Dubey et al, 2014; van Ginkel et al, 2009; Shawki et al, 2019) have reported that the head‐associated lymphatic tissue system in bird includes the Harderian gland, based on the presence of interstitial lymphatic tissue (plasma cells). Additionally, Klećkowska‐Nawrot et al (2015) reported that the lacrimal gland is not responsible for immunoglobulin production.…”

“…Numerous studies (i.e. Beheiry et al, 2020;Dubey et al, 2014;van Ginkel et al, 2009;Shawki et al, 2019) have reported that the head-associated lymphatic tissue system in bird includes the Harderian gland, based on the presence of interstitial lymphatic tissue (plasma cells).…”

“…To better understand the roles of both glands, several morphological, biochemical and physiological methods have been used to study them. Most previous studies have focused on the Harderian gland in many various vertebrate species (Altunay & Kozlu, 2004; Beheiry et al, 2020; Boydak & Aydin, 2009; Dubey et al, 2014; Mobini, 2012, 2014; Pradidarcheep et al, 2003; Reem & Khattab, 2018). However, there is little information about the structure and functions of the lacrimal glands; with only few publications available (i.e.…”

Histoarchitectonics of the Harderian gland of chickens in the post-vaccination period

“…Microscopic examination of the Harderian gland demonstrated that it is a multilobular gland, with each lobe constructed of secretory acini (Beheiry et al, 2020). The superficial cells of the glandular body produce serous secretion, and the deep cells produce mucous secretion (Mobini, 2012).…”