Histomorphochemical Characterization of the Lacrimal Gland of Sheep (Ovis aries)

Abstract

The present study was conducted on six healthy young sheep of local mixed breed of either sex to study the histology and histochemistry of the lacrimal gland. The compound tubulo-acinar gland was consisting of serous, mucous and sero-mucous secretory units. Myoepithelial cells were located at the basal part of secretory end pieces and formed the incomplete layer surrounding the acinar cells, enclosed by a basement membrane. The interstitial tissue contained scattered plasma cells and sparse lymphocytes. The duct system was made up of intralobular, interlobular and large excretory ducts. The striated ducts were lacking. Histochemical studies
revealed the presence of high amount of neutral mucopolysaccharides and moderate amount of weakly acidic sulfated mucosubstances, sialomucins and hyaluronic acid in the secretory units.