HISTO-MORPHOMETRY AND HISTOCHEMISTRY OF THE OESOPHAGUS OF INDIGENOUS POULTRY OF POONCH REGION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR (INDIA)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/abr.2026.28.01.35Keywords:
Gland, histochemical, histology, oesophagus, Poonch, poultryAbstract
Oesophagus is an important part of avian digestive tract and no information is available on structure of oesophagus of indigenous poultry of Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, a study was conducted with the aim to characterize the gross, histomorphometry and histochemical composition of the oesophagus of indigenous poultry of Poonch region, thereby establishing baseline anatomical data for this local poultry population. Histologically, tunica mucosa was thrown into folds. Lamina epithelialis was composed of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria contained mucous-secreting simple tubule-acinar glands. Each acinus was surrounded by myoepithelial cells. Glandular cells had foamy cytoplasm and were full of secretions. A few glands were associated with lymphoid follicles. Collagen fibers and reticular fibers formed basket like arrangement around each lobe and lobule of glands. Lamina muscularis was thick and folded supported by central collagenous core. Tunica muscularis consisted of inner circular (three prominent layers) and outer longitudinal layers. At certain locations, oblique muscles were also observed. Between muscle layers, parasympathetic ganglions were also present. Thickness of tunica mucosa, lamina epithelialis, tunica muscularis, tunica serosa/adventitia and greater diameter of glands was significantly (p<0.05) higher at cervical part of oesophagus. Histochemically, muscles were strongly positive for proteins and epithelium showed moderate reaction whereas glands showed weak reaction. The basement membrane was strongly positive for PAS, glands showed intense reaction and epithelium exhibited moderate reaction for neutral mucopolysaccharides. Only the superficial layer of lamina epithelialis and glands showed strong reaction for lipids. However, basal layer of lamina epithelialis and glands were moderately positive for glycogen.
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