The Harderian gland of the Dhub lizard Uromastyx microlepis of the Kuwaiti desert: an ultrastructural approach

Harderian glands exist in the orbits of most terrestrial vertebrates. The basic function of the gland is the lubrication of the eye. The present study was carried out to shed some light on the ultrastructure of the still enigmatic Harderian gland of the lizard Uromastyx microlepis, a common species in Kuwait and other Gulf areas. The Harderian gland of Uromastyx microlepis is well developed, relatively large in size and lingual in shape. The epithelial cells of the anterior part of the gland are characterized by the presence of membrane bound granules of almost homogeneous consistency. These secretory granules are gathered in compartments and separated by membranes and stacks of granular endoplasmic reticulum (GER). Most of the lumina were empty. Moderate amounts of GER, free ribosomes and pleiomorphic mitochondria were observed in the perinuclear area of the epithelial cells. The medial and caudal parts of the gland were rich in special secretory granules, GER, free ribosomes and pleiomorphic mitochondria. The anterior part of the gland could represent the future lacrimal gland of mammals. A network of myoepithelial cells was recognized around the gland tubules. While no melanocytes or lymphocytes were observed in the scarce interstitial tissue, macrophages, that might have an immune function in the gland, were observed.