Histology of turkey papillae after manual semen collection

Papillae from mature turkey males were removed before and after semen collection and examined by light microscopy. The surface mucosa consisted of deeply folded columnar epithelial cells and a discontinuous layer of basal cuboidal cells. Underlying this layer was a lamina propia of loose connective tissue containing fibroblasts, fibrous elements, and to a lesser extent, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages. A pseudostratified columnar epithelium consisting of nonsecretory cells lined the lumen of the papillae. The accompanying lamina propria was thin but highly vascular and included fibroblasts and macrophages. Occupying most of the space between the two mucosae was a smooth muscle layer. Immediately after semen collection capillaries throughout the papillae were dilated and congested with red blood cells (RBCs). Scattered throughout the papillae were extravascular RBCs, suggestive of extensive primary hemorrhage. Although heterophils and macrophages were observed throughout the papillae 24 hr after semen collection, only macrophages were involved in the phagocytosis of extravascular RBCs. Macrophage phagocytic activity was evident at 48 hr and occasionally 72 hr after semen collection. By 72 hr few extravascular RBCs were observed.