Hyperprolactinemia modifies extracellular matrix components associated with collagen fibrillogenesis in harderian glands of non- and pregnant female mice.

The harderian gland (HG) is a gland located at the base of the nictating membrane and fills the inferomedial aspect of the orbit in rodents. It is under the influence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and, because of its hormone receptors, it is a target tissue for prolactin (PRL) and sex steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone). In humans and murine, the anterior surface of the eyes is protected by a tear film synthesized by glands associated with the eye.

Imbalance between the cellular proliferation and death in harderian gland of female mice with hyperprolactinemia.

Objective: To assess the impact of the metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia in cellular death and proliferation in the harderian gland of female mice.

Methods: Twenty female mice were divided into two groups of 10 animals each and treated: 0.2 mL of saline solution (controls, Ctr) and 200 µg of metoclopramide (experimental, hyperprolactinemia), both for 50 consecutive days and at 12:00 a.

Influence of hyperprolactinemia on collagen fibers in the lacrimal gland of female mice.

Objective: To quantify the collagen fibers in the lacrimal gland of female mice with hyperprolactinemia.

Methods: Forty adult female mice were randomly divided into two groups with 20 animals each: nonpregnant control (CTR1, control group, 0.2 mL of saline solution) and nonpregnant experimental (HPRL1, experimental group, 200 µg/day metoclopramide).