New and peculiar cytoplasmic membranous bodies in the acinar cells of the harderian gland of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus

RESUMO

A new and peculiar morphological feature in acinar cells of the Harderian gland of the South American armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Mammalia, Dasipodidae) is reported. The gland of adult males and females was studied at macroscopic, microscopic and electron microscopic levels. The gland is the largest structure in the bony orbit. It is located in its medial (nasal) and basal side. It shows a tubuloalveolar structure characterized by large alveoli with a single layer of columnar or cuboidal cells. Myoepithelial cells are located between the secretory ones and the basement membrane. The peculiar morphological feature consists of large intracellular membranous bodies located in the supranuclear cytoplasmic region. They are seen in every acinar cell of males and females. Their size is prominent being almost as large as the nucleus. Only one body is observed in each cell. The structure of the bodies displays an outstanding geometrical pattern which differs completely from other membranous structures described in other species.