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A Comparative Study on Kidney Morphology of Anatolian Ground Squirrels, Rabbits, and Rats.
Fatma Kose1, Imdat Orhan2, Feyzullah Beyaz3
1Department of Veterinary Histology and Embryology, Institute of Health Sciences, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|January 7, 2025
Summary
This study details kidney morphology in ground squirrels, rabbits, and rats, revealing species-specific adaptations and potential urine concentrating abilities. Findings include unique structural features and insights into renal physiology across different species.
Area of Science:
- Comparative anatomy
- Renal physiology
- Mammalian kidney morphology
Background:
- Understanding kidney structure is crucial for comparative physiology.
- Previous research has not comprehensively detailed the macro and microanatomy of ground squirrel, rabbit, and rat kidneys.
- Investigating species-specific renal adaptations can provide insights into habitat suitability and physiological capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a macro and microanatomical examination of ground squirrel (hibernated and nonhibernated), rabbit, and rat kidneys.
- To compare kidney morphology, including intrarenal vasculature, glomeruli, and papillae, across the three species.
- To correlate structural findings with potential differences in urine concentrating ability and habitat adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination using stereo microscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Immunohistochemical staining (antinestin antibody) and triple staining for light microscopy.
- Cold crushing and takilon injection into renal arteries for SEM.
- Measurement of kidney dimensions, relative medullary thickness (RMT), and kidney index (Ki).
Main Results:
- Detailed demonstration of intrarenal capillaries, glomeruli, and foramina papillaria.
- Calculated RMT values suggest all three species inhabit semiarid to humid environments.
- Structural differences observed, including species-specific subcapsular glomeruli in rabbits and variations in renal corpuscle diameter, particularly a decrease in hibernated ground squirrels.
- SEM and immunohistochemistry provided detailed insights into podocyte structure and species-specific area cribrosa configurations.
Conclusions:
- New renal morphological findings were established for ground squirrels, rabbits, and rats.
- The study suggests potential differences in urine concentrating ability, with rats potentially concentrating urine more than ground squirrels, and ground squirrels more than rabbits.
- Observed morphological variations, such as renal corpuscle size and subcapsular glomeruli, highlight species-specific adaptations in kidney structure.
