Seasonal Immunohistochemical Expression of Androgen Receptor (AR) in The Harderian Gland (HG) of Male Rabbit

A total number of (24) adult male rabbit with an average age ranged from (5-6) months were collected in different seasons (6 animal for each season). The animals were slaughtered and the harderian glands (HG) were dissected out, cleaned and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution. Then, paraffin sections were obtained and stained with: Delafields iron Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to verify histological details, Periodic acid- Schiff (PAS) stain for demonstration of glycoprotein. Other paraffin sections were prepared and stained immunohistochemically for demonstration of androgen receptors (AR). The HG was bilobed with (large pink lobe and small white one). It was a tubuloalveolar gland. It was surrounded with connective tissue capsule sending interlobular connective tissue. The secretory end pieces were lined with columnar cells in white lobe and cuboidal cells in pink lobe. In autumn season, the secretory activity was high and immunohistochemical results revealed a high immune expression for (AR) in cytoplasm and cytoplasmic blebs like protrusions. However, it showed moderate immunoreactivity in the winter season. Image analysis showed significant increase in the brown colour was observed in the autumn season with a decrease in the winter season. While, the cytoplasm of epithelial cells revealed negative immune reaction in both spring and summer seasons.