[The morphology of the lacrimal gland of Herpestes edwardsi (Viverridae) (author's transl)].

The morphology from the Glandula lacrimalis of the mongoose Herpestis edwardsi is described. Light microscopical observations show that the acini consist of ramified, mucous tubules and of serous demilunes (Fig. 1, 2). Thus the morphology of this organ of the mongoose differs from those of other species remarkably. Electron microscopical the demilunes and the tubules show characteristical granula which arise from Golgi-vesicles. The granula fuse and eliminate their contents into the clearing by exocytosis. In the demilunes there are granula of different size and shape. Their contents aremostly dense and cristallize sometimes to rod-shaped, lamellar structures (Fig. 5). The cells of the tubules contain abundant bizonal granula which seem to be in contact with the rER (Figs. 6,7). The epithel of the intra- and interlobular ducts includes membran-bounded osmiophilic substances. The cytoplasm of the cells is enforced by filaments which aggregate beneath the apical plasmalemma to a prominant terminal web-like layer (Fig. 9). Intercalated and striated ducts are lacking. The results are discussed with earlier findings at the Glandula lacrimalis of other species.