Histochemical studies on the subcommissural organ of the pig

Abstract

The present study, conducted on 10 healthy adult pigs of local mixed breed, revealed distribution of
mucopolysaccharides, lipids and proteins in ependyma and hypendyma of the subcommissural organ. Periodic acid
Schiff’s reaction demonstrated by McManus’ method was present in different components of ependymal cells, and
hypendymal cells with more affinity in the blood capillaries of the organ and indicated presence of glycogen. Aldehyde
thionin PAS activity was mainly localized towards supranuclear portion of the ependymal cells and the blood capillaries
of the hypendyma. PAS Alcian blue demonstrated negligible concentration of acidic mucopolysaccharides whereas the
distribution of neutral mucopolysaccharides was similar to that of PAS technique. Neutral and Sudanophilic lipids were
localized in the form of very small sized droplets and fine dust particles towards base of the ependyma, respectively.
The SCO secretions towards free ventricular surface were qualitatively proteinaceous in nature.