Microvasculature of the Harderian Gland in the Common Tree Shrew (Tupaia glis) (โครงหลอดเลือดละเอียดในต่อมฮาร์เดอร์เรี่ยนของกระแต)

Abstract

The blood supply of the Harderian gland in common tree shrew of both sexes were studied using vascular corrosion cast technique in conjunction with scanning electron microscope. It was found that the gland received the arterial blood from a branch of ophthalmic artery, which gave rise to arterioles located in each glandular lobule. Each arteriole further branched into capillary plexuses that were organized into lobular appearance. Two capillary types were observed in this Harderian gland, which are small round and large irregular sinusoidal capillaries with fenestrations. The venous blood from this gland first drained into the orbital venous sinus locating between the glandular convex surface and the wall of the orbit, and finally to the ophthalmic vein. The presence of the particular vascularization together with electron dense granules and numerous stubby microvilli at the basal portion of the acinar cells suggest that the Harderian gland in the common tree shrews may possibly in endocrine function.