Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Theriogenology, Anatomy and Physiology. College of veterinary medicine. University of Duhok, Duhok- Iraq
2
Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to explore the anatomical and histological features of sheep kidneys, focusing on their positioning, shape, and structural characteristics. Ten healthy adult male Awassi sheep (Ovis aries) were examined for histological study of the kidneys (left &right) using H&E stain, Masson trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)-Alcian blue, and Toluidine blue. The study found both kidneys to be retroperitoneal, with the right kidney located between the 12th thoracic vertebra and the 2nd lumbar vertebra, while the left kidney was beneath the first three lumbar vertebrae, and they having a smooth, bean-shaped appearance, with no significant differences in their weight, length, width, and circumference. Histologically, both kidneys showed no significant differences in capsule thickness, number and diameter of renal corpuscles, and diameter of Bowman’s space in addition to their normal histological structure. The distribution of collagen fibers in the left and right kidneys did not differ as revealed by Masson’s trichrome stain. Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)-Alcian blue stain showed moderate activity in the right and left kidneys, but cortical renal tubules showed higher stain affinity compared to medullary tubules. The result of the Toluidine blue stain showed faint responses in the medulla and cortex, with no differences between right and left kidneys. This finding suggests that tissues contain acidic structures, especially glycosaminoglycans. In conclusion, this study reveals no differences between the right and left kidneys, enhancing the understanding of the anatomical and histological characteristics of sheep kidneys, which is crucial for physiological and pathological research.
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