Henle Glands

Henle's glands are a group of glands located in the abdominal cavity of some species of fish, namely the mackerel (Scombridae) and salmon (Salmonidae) families. They play an important role in the metabolism of fatty acids and vitamins.

These glands were first described by the German morph Henle in 1879. They got their name in his honor. Henle noticed that during metamorphosis, some fish secrete white or yellowish fluids from their genital openings. He suggested that these substances are metabolic products that help fish adapt to new living conditions. In addition, Henle discovered that the glands develop before the fish reproductive organs.

It is known that lobsters (lat. Scomberomorus) secrete secretions from these glands during spawning. The secretion contains a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, as well as vitamin A, which is necessary for the development of eggs. Sweet-tasting fish eggs are considered a delicacy in many cultures, and the secretions of the Henle glands are used to enhance their palatability. Henle's glands are also called the karst glands of epurus in the groin of the sea turtle and the Gay-Lussac gland. Famous Russian biosphere researcher Irina Denis