HARDERIAN-GLAND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE BLACK-SEA BOTTLE-NOSED-DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS-TRUNCATUS PONTICUS)

Examination of the Harderian gland structure of the Black Sea bottleno se dolphin, Tursiops truncatus ponticus, at macroscopic, microscopic, and electron microscopic levels shows significant sexual dimorphism. T he epithelial cells of male and female glands are different cell types , capable of producing chemically different products. Secretory cells in both sexes contain secretion granules that produce a secretion cons isting mainly of proteins and carbohydrates, but thought to be sex-spe cific in composition. The female glands also contain lipid secretion g ranules. It is suggested that in the bottlenose dolphin the Harderian gland functions to produce sexually distinct pheromones and may have o ther physiological activities, e.g., participating in local immunologi cal or endocrine-related reactions, (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.