The present study was done on 20 adult specimens of Nile catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
to demonstrate the morphological characteristics of the cardiac region of the stomach.
The cardiac mucosa was characterized by a large number of well-defined long
folds. The surface epithelial cells were simple columnar type covered with distinct
microvilli and connected by desmosomes. Few PAS- and AB- positive goblet cells
were found between the surface epithelium. In addition, many lymphocytes, macrophages,
and blood capillaries were seen in the epithelial layer. The lamina propria was
exclusively occupied by simple branched gastric (cardiac) glands that fill most of the
thickness of the mucosa and open into gastric pits. The gastric glands were composed
of numerous secretory tubules that were lined with one type of cells with a cytoplasm
containing numerous electron-dense granules, well-developed rER, mitochondria,
and a large number of free ribosomes. Moreover, macrophages were distributed
in the lamina propria and submucosa. Telocytes were observed in the cardiac region
for the first time around the glands, blood vessels, between the muscular layer, and
in the serosa. A large number of mast cells could be identified in the submucosa
around the blood vessels. The presence of many immune cells in the wall of the cardiac
stomach suggests involvement in immune response in addition to its digestive
function.
Research Abstract
Research Date
Research Department
Research Member
Research Publisher
Wiley Online Library
Research Rank
Q1
Research Website
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24046
Research Year
2021
Research Pages
1-11