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

    January 2025 in “ Mansoura Medical Journal ”
    Adila A. Hamid, Nawal Hasanin, Hanaa A. Khalaf, Walaa H. E. Hamed
    TLDR Age and androgen levels significantly affect meibomian gland structure and function.
    This study investigated the effects of age and androgen levels on the histological structure of meibomian glands in albino rats. Three groups of 10 adult male albino rats, aged 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, were analyzed. The results showed that younger rats (group I) had normal acinar structures with abundant meibum vesicles and high levels of dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) hormone. In contrast, older rats (groups II and III) exhibited a marked decrease in acinar cell size, reduced secretion of meibum vesicles, and increased collagenous fiber deposition. There was also a decline in androgen receptor immune reaction and androgen levels in the blood. The study concluded that both age and androgen levels significantly impact the structure and function of meibomian glands.
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