Three-Dimensional Morphometrical Study on Small Intestine in Rabbit Using Unbiased Design-Based Stereology

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Gastroenterology
• Stereology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) structural parameters better predict intestinal function than 2D parameters.
• Understanding small intestine morphometry is crucial for comparative anatomy and disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 3D morphometrical features of the rabbit small intestine using design-based stereology.
• To establish a rabbit small intestine morphometric database for translational research.

Main Methods:

• Design-based stereology was applied to five adult male New Zealand rabbits.
• Key parameters quantified included total volume, layer volume fractions, internal surface area, and amplification factors for villi and circular folds.

Main Results:

• The rabbit small intestine volume was 59.57 ± 8.57 cm³.
• The jejunum had the largest volume and surface area, while the ileum had the least.
• Villi increased surface area by 6.82 ± 0.84 times, and circular folds by 1.36 ± 0.09 times.

Conclusions:

• This study provides comprehensive 3D morphometric data for the rabbit small intestine.
• These findings serve as a foundation for diagnosing and treating intestinal diseases in rabbits.
• The rabbit serves as a valuable translational model for studying intestinal structure-function relationships.