关键词: 黑线仓鼠, 哈氏腺, 生长抑素, 实时荧光定量PCR, 性别, 年龄

Abstract: Harderian glands (HG) may act as a "standby" structure of the retinal-pineal axis, mediating light signals in vitro and neuroendocrine regulation in vivo. The functions of the gland are variable, and are usually regulated by neural-humoral factors. Somatostatin (SS) is one of the main inhibitors which mediate the growth and the development of vertebrates. In this study, the morphological parameters of HG in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) were examined. The SS cDNA sequence in HG was cloned and the differential expression levels of SS in HG for sexes and ages were detected by RT- PCR, so as to verify the functions of SS and its effects on the development of HG. The results showed that:(1) Striped hamsters’ body weight increases with age, regardless of gender. The weight and length of HG also increases with age. After the body weight was adjusted for, there were no age differences found for the weight and length of HG, while differences in HG weight were found between genders (P<0.05). (2) A cDNA sequence of SS with 489 bp in size was cloned. SS cDNA in HG of striped hamsters has the typical characteristics of secretory protein cDNAs, and is highly conserved in evolution. (3) SS was expressed in HG and significant differences in relative expression levels existed between sexes and among ages (P<0.05). (4) The relative expression levels of SS in HG declined gradually with tage, and significant negative correlations were detected between the relative expression levels of SS in HG and the morphological parameters of the HG. The above results suggest that sexual dimorphism occurrs in terms of the weight of HG and the SS expression of HG in striped hamsters. SS is an inhibitor, which is closely related to the development and growth of HG.

Key words: Striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis), Harderian gland, Somatostatin, Real-time PCR, Gender, Age