Impacts of Age and Androgen Level on Albino Rat Meibomian Gland: Light & Electron Microscopic study

Background: Histological changes in albino rats meibomian glands in relation to age and androgen level. Aim of the work: The current research attempted to assess the impact of age and androgen level on histological structure of meibomian gland . Material and methods: Three groups of adult male albino rats were used ,each group comprised ten rats, group I: six months, group II: one year and group III : two years, Each animal at proper age was weighed , anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for estimation of dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) hormone . The eyelids of each rat were dissected and prepared for LM and TEM study Results: Meibomian glands of group I showed normal histological appearance of the acini with abundant meibum vesicles and thin basement membrane. Minimal collagenous fibers deposition were seen among the acini and positive androgen receptor immune reaction in the majority of the acinar cells nuclei and high level of DHEA hormone in blood. While Meibomian glands of group II& group III showed marked decrease in size of the acinar cells with decrease in secretion of meibum vesicles. Apparently declined meibocytes differentiation were detected and some of the acini were lost, increase the thickness of the basement membrane surrounding the acini and increase in collagenous fibers deposition among the acini. Decrease in androgen receptor immune representation in concomitant with decrease in androgen level in the blood. Conclusion: Age and Androgen level have great impact on meibomian gland structure and function.