Postnatal Development of Splenic Stroma in Indian Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

Abstract

The study was conducted on spleen of 18 healthy pigs (6 each of 0-4 weeks, 4-10 weeks and above 10 weeks of age) to evaluate the  postnatal development. The sections were processed and stained to obtain the histological details. The spleen consisted of stroma and  parenchyma. The stroma was composed of capsule and trabeculae. Microscopic details obtained by staining with H&E, Van Gieson,  Verhoeff, Masson trichome revealed that splenic capsule was thick with two layers, viz., an outer dense irregular fibrous connective  tissue layer and inner smooth muscle layer. Collagen fibers were predominant over elastic and reticular fibers. Trabeculae extended  from the capsule dividing the splenic parenchyma into compartments and served as a frame work to support muscle, collagen, elastic  and reticular fibers. The collagen, elastic, reticular and smooth muscle fibers increased with age. There was also a significant increase in  trabecular branching, capsule thickness as the age progressed.