Changes in the quantity and distribution of connective tissue in the liver of domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) from birth till six months of age

Juntes, P.; Pogacnik, M.; Bavdek, S. . Veterinary Fac.

Changes in the quantity and distribution of connective tissue in the liver of domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) from birth till six months of age

2001

Juntes, P. | Pogacnik, M. | Bavdek, S. (Ljubljana Univ. (Slovenia). Veterinary Fac.)

The article is discussing the architecture of pig liver, with the emphasis on the postnatal development of connective tissue. The quantity of portal and interlobular connective tissue was measured on tissue sections of pigs liver taken at birth, at three weeks, nine weeks and six months of age using stereo metricalanal ysis with Weibl multipurpose system M42 and the quantity of connective tissue and other liver structures was calculated using volume density. Ratio between the connective tissue, parenchyma and other liver structures was calculated as well as the ratio between the liver and body weight. Connective tissue is located only portally at birth and grows most intensely in first three weeks (Vv1 = 0,00 % SE +/- 0,00; Vv2 = 1.37 % SE +/- 0.22). At three weeks a thin but complete layer of connective tissue is formed between lobules (Vv1 = 1.76 % SE +/- 0.30; Vv2 = 2.45 % SE +/- 0.18). Up to nine weeks the quantity of connective tissue grows, but with lesser intensity than in the first three weeks (Vv1 = 1.70 % SE +/- 0.08; Vv2 = 1.77 SE +/- 0.15). Till six month of age the growth is more intense in interlobular areas than portally (Vv1 = 3.31 % SE +/- 0.37; Vv2 = 2.55 % SE +/- 0.38). Ratio of parenchyma stays constant from birth till six months comparing to other liver structures (vessels, bile ducts), the ratio of which is reduced constantly till six months of age (Vv3: 94.00 % SE +/- 0.70; 93.91 % SE +/- 0.53; 95.39 % SE +/- 0.21; 93.34 % SE +/- 0.65 and Vv4: 4.67 % SE +/- 0.60; 1.88 % SE +/- 0.20; 1.13 % SE +/- 0.18; 0,79 % SE +/- 0.11). The ratio between the liver and body weight is reduced by about fifty percent from birth till six months of age (3.2 % to 1.5 %). The role of perisinusoidal stellate cells in the control of interlobular connective tissue production in pig liver is discussed.

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