Abstract

Lowland paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766) is a medium-sized rodent that belongs to the Brazilian fauna. Yet little information on its morphology is found in the specialized literature. Thus, the objective of the work was to study the morphology of the adrenal gland of paca by means of microscopic ultrastructure analysis. The adrenal gland secretes specialized substances in the body which promote biological functions of great importance and will provide valuable information to studies in comparative anatomy. Two (2) adult lowland pacas were used, male and female. Soon after death, the animals were positioned in the supine position; their abdominal cavities were opened by pre-retro umbilical and lateral incision followed by folding of the abdominal walls to expose the glands. The adrenal glands were removed; fragments were collected, fixed and prepared for ultrastructure observations using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. It was observed that the adrenal glands of the paca have divisions as well as the limits of the cortical and medullary region, as well as the subdivisions of the glomerulosa, fasciculated and reticulated areas of the cortical region as in other rodents. An ultrastructure of cells and their components also showed a lot of similarity to that already demonstrated in different rodents.

Highlights

  • The paca is the second largest rodent in the Brazilian fauna; presenting a robust and vigorous body in both male and female adults; the average length from the nose to the tip of the tail is 70 cm for males, and 60 cm for females

  • As the adrenal glands play an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the body, since they are responsible for the production of hormones that, in addition to the use for normal organic functioning, provide survival in stressful situations (DYCE; SACK; WENSING 2019)

  • When considering the assumptions presented, the objective of this article was to describe the ultrastructure of the adrenal glands of this rodent through studies involving scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The paca is the second largest rodent in the Brazilian fauna; presenting a robust and vigorous body in both male and female adults; the average length from the nose to the tip of the tail is 70 cm for males, and 60 cm for females. In addition to high utilization of carcass, a meat with high protein value and good acceptance in the market due mainly to its flavor. Brazil is among the countries with farms authorized for commercial purposes (GOMES et al.,2013). In addition to commercial considerations, is that it could well affect the scope of science; as a. Acta Veterinaria Brasilica September 15 (2021) 203-208 good alternative for research purposes, for animal modeling, and towards preservation of the species (SANTOS, 2006). As the adrenal glands play an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the body, since they are responsible for the production of hormones that, in addition to the use for normal organic functioning, provide survival in stressful situations (DYCE; SACK; WENSING 2019)

Objectives
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call