The adrenal glands, responsible for regulating important body functions. This study aimed to
examine the structure of the adrenal cortex in 15 healthy she-camels. The camels were divided
into three groups based on their age: immature 1-2, mature 3-7, and senile up to 12 years which
are not equally divided. Camel adrenal glands are enveloped by a dense network of collagen
fibers, forming a unique capsule. This capsule comprised an outer fibrous layer and an inner
cellular layer. Notably, connective tissue trabeculae originating from the inner side of the
capsule invaded the gland's cortical parenchyma, giving the glomerulosa a distinctive
arrangement. This arching system was prominent in mature and senile camels but absent in the
immature ones, where eosinophilic cells formed clusters resembling follicles. Hematoxylin and
Eosin (H&E) staining was used for general tissue visualization, Masson's trichrome (MTC)
staining for collagen fiber, and orcein staining for elastic fiber visualization.
Immunohistochemical analysis using caspase3 as an apoptotic marker and proliferating cell
nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a marker for cell proliferation shed light on cellular behavior. The
immunohistochemical staining revealed strong positive nuclear reactions of PCNA in
immature and senile camels, respectively, and weak responses in mature camels. Additionally,
caspase 3 exhibited cytoplasmic and nuclear reactivity, transitioning from weak positive in
mature camels to strong positive in both immature and senile stages. In conclusion, our study
unraveled interesting similarities and distinctive features of camel adrenal glands, providing
insights into their architecture. |
