engleski

Macroscopic and microscopic structure of the adrenal glands in the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) – case study

Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is autochthonous game species in Croatia which belongs to the order Carnivora and family Mustelidae. Available data about morphological structure of the badger adrenal glands are scarce. Adrenal gland in mammals is paired organ consisting of two embryologically and functionally distinct regions: cortex and medulla. Adrenal cortex is divided into three zones: zona arcuata / zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. These glands are often asymmetrical, irregular in shape and different in form and size among species but also among individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present macroscopic and microscopic structure of badger adrenal glands. During the execution of the health surveillance program at the Nature Park Medvednica (Zagreb City), the frozen male badger was presented to the Veterinary Faculty for necropsy. Adrenal glands were collected and fixed in the 10% neutral buffered formalin. Samples were processed routinely and sectioned into 5-6 µm sections. Microscopical structure was shown using H&E and Masson´s trichrome staining. Macroscopically, the right adrenal gland was square in shape, while the left one was elongated. Microscopically, glands were composed of the cortex and medulla and covered by a thin connective tissue capsule built of collagen fibers. Cortex was divided into zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. Cells of the zona glomerulosa, organized in round to oval shaped clusters, were polygonal and acidophilic with centrally positioned, round nuclei. Cells of the zona fasciculata were similarly shaped and had foamy appearance due to lipid vacuoles. Those cells formed parallel columns with venous sinuses between. Acidophilic cells of various shapes with lipid droplets, arranged in irregular bands, were present in the zona reticularis. Lymphatic infiltrations were occasionally observed in the zona fasciculata. Medulla consisted of polygonal cells. Some cells had a round, centrally located nucleus, while others were apoptotic. Within glands parenchyma numerous blood vessels were observed. The wall of arteries contained abundant amount of collagen fibers. In connective tissue spaces duct-like structures were present. Further research should include collection of fresh samples and using other special stainings for different types of connective tissue fibers, chromaffin cells and fats.

badger, adrenal glands, microscopic structure

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