Light and electron microscopic morphology of Paneth cells in the sheep small intestine

Ergun E., Ergun L., Asti R., Kurum A.

Revue de Medecine Veterinaire, vol.154, no.5, pp.351-355, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 154 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Journal Name: Revue de Medecine Veterinaire
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.351-355
  • Keywords: paneth cells, small intestine, sheep, MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS, ALPHA-DEFENSINS, RAT, LOCALIZATION, GRANULES, ZINC
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe the light and electron microscopic morphology of Paneth cells in the sheep small intestine, as well as their histochemical properties, location and numerical distribution. Samples from the small intestine : duodenum, jejunum and ileum, of 7 healthy adult sheep were studied. The Paneth cells are located in the crypts of Lieberkühn and are more numerous in the base and neck of the crypts than in the higher parts. They are characterised by a basal nucleus, and acidophilic apical granules. Granules are larger in Paneth cells located in the deep portions of crypts. The numerical distribution of Paneth cells is heterogeneous along the small intestine, with higher density in the jejunum, and decreasing densities in the duodenum and ileum. The difference between the three regions of the small intestine is statistically significant (p < 0.01). Although homogeneous by light microscopy, apical granules proved to be of different electron densities by transmission electron microscopy.