EFFECTS OF SEX HORMONES AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIGHTING ON RAT HARDERIAN GLAND PORPHYRIN

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Ovariectomy of adult female rats significantly decreased the porphyrin content of the Harderian glands compared with intact control rats. Treatment of ovariectomized rats for 5 days with testosterone propionate, progesterone or oestradiol did not alter porphyrin content or concentration; however, administration of oestradiol plus progesterone significantly increased Harderian gland porphyrin content to values indistinguishable from those of intact controls. Additionally, oestradiol treatment lowered the weight of the Harderian glands. Constant light or constant darkness for 35 days significantly decreased Harderian gland porphyrins compared with those of rats kept in diurnal lighting conditions. Constant light significantly lowered porphyrin values compared with those obtained from rats maintained in constant darkness. The effects of constant light were not altered by either ovariectomy or enucleation. Harderian gland weight was reduced in all groups kept in constant light.

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