Work

Features of the Liver Microstructural Organization of the Bactrian Camel

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Camels have developed unique adaptive mechanisms, one of which is the active accumulation of lipids. This metabolic feature has a direct influence on the liver ultrastructure. Its analysis reveals how exactly the hepatocytes have evolved to effectively store fat and neutralize toxins, which is crucial for survival in the desert. Considering the latter, the aim of this research is to establish the features of the microstructural organization of the liver of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). This study was conducted using 15 liver tissue fragments from 5 healthy Bacterian camels (3 pieces from each animal) via biopsy. The sections were examined using a JEM-1011 electron microscope at magnifications of 2500–8000. Electron microscopic analysis of hepatocytes revealed a significantly larger hepatocyte diameter (25–30 µm), suggesting an adaptation for metabolites and water storage. Hepatocytes exhibited fewer, medium-sized (0.5–2 µm) lipid droplets, present in only 12–15% of cells. A high density of specialized Kupffer (15–20 cells per 10,000 µm2) and activated Ito cells was observed, indicating enhanced detoxification and immune functions. These specific ultrastructural features provide a model for studying metabolic resistance and inform veterinary diagnostics and husbandry practices for this species.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15192921

Authors: Lyalya Musina, Anna Lebedeva, Ludmila Drozdova, Alexey Prusakov, Vladimir Ponamarev

Institutions: Bashkir State Medical University, Ural State Agrarian University, Saint Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Comparative Animal Anatomy Studies

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: Saint Petersburg State University, Russian Science Foundation