Resumen

ALVARADO-RICO, Sonia et al. Morphological and Histochemical Characterization of the Liver of the Spectacled Cayman (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus). Rev. Fac. Cienc. Vet. [online]. 2012, vol.53, n.1, pp.13-19. ISSN 0258-6576.

The morphology, organization and intracytoplasmic components of the liver of the spectacled cayman (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus) are aspects that have been partially studied so far. A descriptive study of the morphological and histochemical characteristics of the liver of this subspecies was performed. This investigation would enable researchers to understand the liver functions in these animals, thus allowing future research using this organ as an experimental model. Eight liver samples were fixed in 10% v/v formalin and processed by conventional histology using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionaly, special stains, such as the Trichrome of Gallegos method and the red oil “O” and Wilder, were also used. The findings revealed the presence of a bilobed liver located in the midline of the caudal coelomic cavity, surrounded by a thin capsule of connective tissue; the parenchyma showed the layout of the classic hepatic lobule, the hepatocytes were arranged in tortuous cords and an acinar pattern. The presence of pigment-laden cells compatible with melanophores scattered in liver tissue was evidenced. Intracytoplasmic lipid droplets of various sizes occupying almost the entire cytoplasm of the hepatocytes were observed

Palabras clave : Caiman (crocodilus crocodilus); liver; animal morphology; animal histology; Aragua.

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