Histological, Histochemical and Ultrastructure Studies on the Ostrich Pancreas (Struthio camelus)

Abstract

This work aimed to discuss the histological, histochemical and ultrastructure of the ostrich pancreas. Specimens were collected from eight adult apparent healthy male ostriches. The specimens immediately immersed in 10 % neutral buffered formalin and Bouin,s solution. Tissue sections were prepared and stained for further examination. The histological examination demonstrated that the ostrich pancreas surrounded by a thick connective tissue capsule which gave septa to the parenchyma and divided it into numerous pancreatic lobules. The parenchyma composed of exocrine and endocrine parts. The exocrine part formed by acini, the acinar cell was large pyramidal, with a large rounded vesicular nucleus. Its apical part had fine deeply stained zymogenic granules. The endocrine portion was formed by beta, alpha and mixed islets. Ultrastructurally, the acinar cells forming the pancreatic acini appeared pyramidal having a basally large vesicular nucleus with large spherical and electron dense nucleoli. Its zymogene granules were spherical and electron dense. The beta cells were large ovoid or polygonal contained electron dense secretory granules with the presence of halo zoon between its limited membrane and the content. Alpha cells are elongated or polygonal contain electron dense spherical secretory granules with ill distinct space between the limited membrane and its content. Delta cells appeared oval or triangular having spherical electron dense granules its limited membrane closely adhere to its content. There were a different histochemical reaction to acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, ATPase and succinic dehydrogenase in the acinar cells and in the pancreatic islets.