Naslov
Effects of orchiectomy on the structure of the exorbital lacrimal gland acini in the rat – a histologic and morphometric study

Autori
Ježek, Davor ; Banek, Ljerka ; Jurić-Lekić, Gordana ; Grgić, Marija

Izvornik
Veterinarski arhiv (0372-5480) 66 (1996), 5; 189-197

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
exorbital lacrimal gland ; rat ; orchiectomy ; castration ; stereology

Sažetak
The exorbital lacrimal gland (ELG) of the rat is situated close to the parotid gland and shows sexual dimorphism, i.e. different histological appearance in males and females. The present study was designed to establish the effect of orchiectomy on the acinar structure of this gland in the adult male rat by applying qualitative and quantitative (stereological) histological analysis. The gland of intact control and sham operated displayed a normal acinar structure. However, in orchiectomized rats after 30-60 days of experiment, some of the ELG acini changed when compared to controls. They had large lumina, surrounded by cuboidal or pronouncedly flattened acinar cells, thus closely resembling follicles. Therefore, the changed acini were termed "pseudofollicles". Morever, 30-40 days after castration the acinar cells of orchiectomized animals displayed intensive vacuolization of their cytoplasm. Stereological analysis revealed a statistically significant increase of "pseudofollicle" volume per mm3 of the glandular tissue in orchiectomized rats compared to control groups (P<0, 001). Our data clearly show that rat ELG is influenced by the testis and is one of the androgen-dependent organs in mammals.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Veterinarska medicina

POVEZANOST RADA