Effect of Exogenous Prolactin Administration on Harderian Gland Porphyrin Content in Female Indian Palm Squirrel, Funamabulus pennanti

The Harderian glands are large orbital glands present in most vertebrates and are known to produce lipid, porphyrins, (precursor of haem)&indole amines. Sex hormones play an important role in the clinical expression of several porphyriasis. Some form of this disease are more common in women than in men and may be exacerbated during menstrual cycle and pregnancy, suggesting an involvement of some pregnancy associated hormones in modulation of this disease. However, no proofs are available in literature for occurrence of porphyriasis in rodents.