Histology of the Harderian gland of domestic geese (Anser anser domesticus)

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to study morphological aspects of the Harderian, paraorbital, gland in domestic geese. Tissues were obtained from 9 male and 9 female adult domestic geese and processed for light microscopy. Tissue sections were stained with Mallory's trichrome, silver impregnation, methyl green-pyronin, periodic acid Schiff, alcian blue (pH 2.5), alcian blue/periodic acid Schiff (pH 2.5) and Sudan black B staining techniques. Results revealed the Harderian gland of domestic geese was covered by a capsule, which contributed trabeculae that divide the organ into lobes and lobules. The glandular epithelium was multilobular, compound tubuloalveolar. The secretion of Harderian gland was mucous and the secretion type was apocrine; the gland emptied to the inner surface of the nicticating membrane by a single duct.