STEREOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SPLEEN ON NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)

The aim of this research was to examine the total volume and diameter of the spleen, white pulp and red pulp volume fractions, capsule thickness, germinal core surface area and diameter and investigate morphological differences between female and male White New Zealand rabbits. 9 male and 9 female rabbit spleens were used. Spleens were individually weighed and the length, thickness and width of spleen were measured using a digital caliper. The fixed samples after the routine histological procedure, serial sections of 10 mu m thickness were taken and stained with hematoxylin eosin. All specimens were examined under the light microscope and photographed. Cavalieri's method was used in area and volume calculations. According to results, there was no statistical difference between spleen volumes, spleen density, red pulp and white pulp volumes of female and male rabbits. It was determined that length and width of spleen in female rabbit spleens were greater than male but there was no difference between the thickness and weights of spleen. Germinal center diameter was found to be greater in female rabbits, while no difference was found in capsule thickness and germinal center areas. These morphometric data would significantly help the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of spleen diseases.