Histological and histochemical studies on the structure of pancreatic ducts of the goose (Anser anser)

The aim of the present study was to determine the histological structure and histochemical properties of the pancreatic ducts in the goose Anser anser. Pancreatic ducts of 6 male and 6 female geese were examined. Crossman's triple stain and Masson's trichrome stain were used for histological examination, and periodic acid-Schiff, alcian blue, periodic acid-Schiff/alcian blue, and aldehyde fuchsin/alcian blue stainings were performed for histochemical examination. Dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts were found that transfer pancreatic secretion into the duodenum of the goose, and these channels were found to have a histologically similar structure. No differences were detected between male and female geese. Duct wall was observed to consist of mucosa, muscle, and adventitial layers. In addition to dark principal, light and basal cells were observed in a simple columnar epithelium layer lining the duct. Glands, including centroacinar cells, were also detected in all layers of duct. Furthermore, lymphoid follicles were observed in the connective tissue of the mucosa. Sulfated and carboxylated mucosubstance-secreting cells were found in the duct as well as neutral, acidic, and mixed mucosubstance-secreting cells. We conclude that the results of our study may contribute to future studies.