Morphometric, Macroscobic and Microscobic Investigation of Glandulae
Uropygiale in Turkeys ( Meleagris Gallopavo )
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the macro-anatomical,
morphometric, histological and electron microscopic characteristics of
the uropygial gland in adult male and female turkeys (Meleagris
Gallapova). The glandula uropygialis of thirteen adult turkeys (6 males,
7 females) were used for this study. It was determined that this
glandular structure located dorsal to the last caudal vertebrae was
heart-shaped and consisted of two lobes and a papilla system. As a
result of statistical evaluation, significant differences were found
between the sexes in the parameters of lobe length, papilla width and
papilla height (P<0.05). Also, PUI value had a statistically
significant difference (P<0.05). Tissue samples taken to
determine the histological structure of the gland were stained with
Haematoxylin & Eosin, Crossman’s and Periodic Acid Schiff. Histological
examination revealed that the gland had a two-lobed structure surrounded
by a capsule composed of connective tissue. It was determined that the
gland had a tubuloalveolar-holocrine structure and the epithelial layer
consisted of cellular layers as germinative layer, intermediate layer,
secretory layer and degenerative layer from the periphery to the centre.
In the scanning electron microscope examination, the lobe structure of
the gland consisted of different shaped follicles protruding from the
surface. It was observed that these glandular follicle structures were
gathered together in different ways or mostly disorganised. As a result
of the study, it was determined that the morphological and histological
structure of the uropygial gland in turkeys was similar to that of other
bird species, but showed some species-specific and habitat-dependent
differences in general. Research Highlights: The uropygial
gland consisted of a system of two lobes and one papilla in each of male
and female turkeys. The glandular lobes consisted of follicles
surrounded by connective tissue, while the follicles were connected to
each other by interfollicular septae. The results obtained in
morphometric measurements revealed statistical differences between male
and female birds. Histological examination showed PAS (+) reaction in
the basal membranes of tubule epithelial cells and secretion. Lymphoid
cell communities were found in both connective tissue and intertubular
regions.