Histological Development of the Hepatic Stroma and Vascular System in Goat Foetii (Capra hircus)

Abstract

The present study was conducted on the prenatal development of the caprine liver in regard to its histomorphological sequential development of the stroma and vascular system. At 39 days of gestation (CRL= 3.20 cm), the stromal elements were mainly formed by delicate reticular fibrils that encircled the hepatocytes. At 51 days of gestation (CRL= 5.80cm), the liver was encircled by a very thin connective tissue capsule underlying the mesothelium layer. At 61 days of gestation (CRL=8.70cm), the interlobular connective tissue was observed to be composed of collagen fibres. At 82 days of gestation (CRL= 13.80 cm), thin reticular fibres were present in the capsule, interlobular connective tissue and around the hepatocytes. At 102 days of gestation (CRL= 22.10cm), the collagen fibres in the capsule were well developed, but thin. They were present in bundles in the capsule, walls of blood vessels and in the portal area. At 134 days of gestation (CRL= 32.50cm), well developed collagen fibres were observed in the portal area and capsule that extended in to the interlobular connective tissues. At 51 days of gestation (CRL=5.80cm), the liver parenchyma were seen with blood spaces and sinusoids with discontinuous lining. Differentiating population of Kupffer cells were also present in the luminal wall of the sinusoids at this age. At 82 and 89 days of gestation (CRL= 13.80cm and 17.20cm, respectively), the sinusoids became more organized and they were conversing towards the central veins.