Open AccessSpleen of Dasypus hybridus (Mammalia, Dasypodidae): A light and electron microscopic study
Author(s) -
Galíndez Elena Juana,
Codón Stella M.,
Casanave Emma B.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the anatomical record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0185
pISSN - 0003-276X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0185(20000301)258:3<286::aid-ar8>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - fossorial , spleen , biology , pathology , histology , red pulp , anatomy , cricetidae , zoology , medicine , immunology
Armadillos are relictual mammals important as models for biomedical studies. They contain adaptative and primitive characteristics in both anatomical and physiological aspects. In this study we describe the splenic histology and cytology of the “mulita,” Dasypus hybridus . Organ samples were processed for light and electron microscopy study. The microanatomy of the organ samples as well as their different cell types are described. The spleen is non‐sinusoidal, with the typical arrangement for storage functions. White pulp is lightly diffuse. Red pulp is a meshwork of circulating, immunocompetent and hemopoietic cells. Differences with other studied members of the group are discussed. The general structure of the organ agrees with the semi‐fossorial habit of the species. Persistence of myeloid activity in the adult suggests the existence of specific inductive functions of the stroma. Better knowledge of this fact may give further insight on the phylogeny of hemopoiesis. Anat Rec 258:286–291, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.