Special Senses System

Harderian Gland - Cyst

Narrative
Comment:
Harderian gland cysts are large, widely distended, single to multiloculated spaces (Figure 1 and Figure 2) lined by flattened epithelium and filled with variable amounts of pale amorphous secretory material. Typically, cysts have greater diameter than dilated gland alveoli. Harderian gland cysts are uncommon.
Recommendations:
Harderian gland cysts should be diagnosed as present (without assignment of a severity grade). Secondary inflammation should not be diagnosed separately (unless warranted by severity).
References:

Botts S, Jokinen M, Gaillard ET, Elwell MR, Mann PC. 1999. Salivary, Harderian, and lacrimal glands. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, Boorman GA, Gaul BW, eds). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 49-79.

Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htm

National Toxicology Program. 1983. NTP TR-244. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of a Polybrominated Biphenyl Mixture (Firemaster FF-1) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/7095
  • Image of cyst in the Harderian gland from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study

    Harderian gland - Cyst in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Cysts (arrow) consisting of large, widely distended, multiloculated spaces filled with variable amounts of pale amorphous secretory material.

Enlarge Image
Enlarge All Images
Harderian gland - Cyst in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Cysts (arrow) consisting of large, widely distended, multiloculated spaces filled with variable amounts of pale amorphous secretory material.
Harderian gland - Cyst in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Cysts (arrow) consisting of large, widely distended, multiloculated spaces filled with variable amounts of pale amorphous secretory material.
Harderian gland - Cyst in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). The epithelium lining the cyst is flattened.
Harderian gland - Cyst in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). The epithelium lining the cyst is flattened.

Author

Margarita M. Gruebbel, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Ruth E. Hurley, DVM, PHD, DACVP
Senior Veterinary Pathologist
Huntingdon Life Sciences
North Brunswick, NJ

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC