Microbodies of the pig liver. A morphologic and morphometric study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Cell Biology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Hepatic microbodies, also known as peroxisomes, are vital organelles involved in various metabolic processes.
• Understanding their ultrastructure is crucial for comprehending liver function and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the detailed ultrastructure of hepatic microbodies in pigs.
• To characterize the morphology of the matrix and internal structures, including crystalloids and marginal plates.

Main Methods:

• Liver samples from pigs were fixed using phosphate-buffered glutaraldehyde and postfixed with osmium tetroxide.
• Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the ultrastructural details of the microbodies.

Main Results:

• Porcine liver microbodies were observed as rounded or ovoid structures with a granular matrix enclosed by a single membrane.
• Crystalloids, either amorphous or organized, were present in the matrix. Organized crystalloids displayed periodic lines or tubular arrangements.
• Marginal plates with periodic strata were identified, with average dimensions of 0.34 x 0.002 micrometers.

Conclusions:

• This research provides a comprehensive ultrastructural description of pig liver microbodies.
• The study definitively establishes the presence and characteristics of marginal plates within porcine hepatic microbodies.