Structure of the Eurasian moorhen spleen: A comprehensive study using gross anatomy, light, and transmission electron microscopy.

Abstract

The spleen is the largest secondary lymphoid organ with major roles in the removal of blood-borne antigens. The Eurasian moorhen is a wild aquatic bird that revealed the adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Information regarding the structural features of moorhen's spleen is lacking. The present study aimed to describe the composition of moorhen's spleen using anatomical dissection, histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. The spleen appeared as a brownish red sickle-shaped organ close to the proventriculus and gizzard. The splenic capsule was very thin, and the trabeculae were poorly developed. The white pulp formed of the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, lymphoid follicles, and periellipsoidal lymphatic sheath. The red pulp composed of sinusoids and cords and contained various types of blood cells. Blood vessels were observed within the splenic capsule and inside the parenchyma. Notably, penicillar capillaries (PCs) appeared branched and surrounded by well-developed ellipsoids. Direct connections were observed between PCs and splenic sinusoids suggesting a closed type of circulation. Ultrastructurally, intercellular spaces and vascular channels were evident in the wall of PCs. Ellipsoid-associated cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and heterophils were observed within splenic ellipsoids. Ellipsoids were thus suggested as a crucial component of moorhen's spleen. Numerous MafB-immunoreactive (IR) macrophages were seen within the red pulp. Splenic cords contained the highest number of PHH3-IR cells, while CCASP3-IR cells were exclusive to follicles of the white pulp. In conclusion, the structure of moorhen's spleen revealed species-specific features. The findings of the present study could help to improve the immunity of domestic birds.