The Liver Micromorphology of the African Palm Squirrel <i>Epixerus ebii</i>

Abstract

The normal liver histology of the African palm squirrel Epixerus ebii was investigated to fill the information gap on its micromorphology from available literature. The liver was covered by a capsule of dense connective tissue- the Glissons membrane. Beneath this capsule is the liver parenchyma were the hepatocyte were supported by reticular fibres. The hepatocytes in the lobules were hexagonal to polygonal in shape. Some hepatocytes were bi-nucleated. Clear spaces in the parenchyma must be storege sites for lipids in the liver. The classic hepatic lobules presented central vein surrounded by several liver cells. At the portal triad, hepatic vein, hepatic arteries and bile ducts were seen. While the hepatic arteries and veins were lined by endothelium, the bile ducts were lined by simple cuboidal cells. Nerve fibres were also seen in the region of the portal triad. Hepatic sinusoids lined by endothelium were seen in the liver parenchyma between liver lobules. The sinusoids contained macrophages. This report will aid wild life biologist in further investigative research and Veterinarians in diagnosing the hepatic diseases of the African palm squirrel.

Keywords: palm squirrel, Liver, histology, portal triad