Assessment of age-related morphological changes in the testes of mali pig of tripura, india

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the histological, histochemical and electron microscopic features of the testes of Mali pigs of Tripura. The samples were collected from fifteen Mali pigs in five different age groups. Collagen, reticular, elastic, and nerve fibers were observed in the tunica albuginea, seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium, mediastinum testis and blood vessels across all age groups. Spermatids were found in the seminiferous tubules at three months of age. Histochemical studies revealed glycogen, acidic mucopolysaccharides, keratin and pre-keratin activity in various testicular structures, with staining affinities differing among age groups. Scanning electron microscopy showed the structural morphology of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissues, and spermatozoa at different stages of development. The parenchyma of dayold piglets exhibited numerous small round seminiferous or sex cords. Well-defined seminiferous tubules were observed at three months of age and defined spermatogenic cells were present in the lumen at five to six months. The morphological characteristics of the testicular tissues in animals aged five to six months were observed to be almost similar. Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatozoa were also visualized in the seminiferous tubules under scanning electron microscopy.

Keywords

• histology
• histochemistry
• mali pig
• scanning electron microscopy
• testis