The number and heterogeneity of mast cells in broiler ileum at different post-hatching periods

Abstract

Mast cells are located near surfaces that contact the external environment, such as the skin, respiratory, and digestive systems. The number of mast cells in tissues can vary depending on the location and immunological status of the host. This study aimed to determine the number and heterogeneity of mast cells in the broiler ileum during the post-hatching period. The number and heterogeneity of mast cells were studied in the ileum tissue of 0-, 7-, 21- and 42-day old broilers. Mast cells were stained metacromasically with toluidine blue in all groups. Mast cells were seen in all layers of the ileum, especially in the lamina propria and submucosa. They were also observed around blood vessels and between smooth muscle cells in the tunica muscularis layer. In the broiler ileum, both subtypes of mast cells were seen: blue-colored AB (+) and red-pink colored SO (+) mast cells. AB (+) mast cells were observed in all age groups, whereas no SO (+) mast cells were found in the 0- age group. SO (+) mast cells were first detected in the ileum tissue on the seventh day after post-hatching. As a result, the number of mast cells was found to increase with age, which was statistically significant. mast cells We observed two subtypes of mast cells in the ileum of broilers, which agrees with previous histochemical studies documenting mast cells' staining properties with AB/SO. As a prominent finding, while AB (+) mast cells were found in all age groups, SO (+) mast cells started to be seen after 7 days. The findings suggest that mast cell heterogeneity during the post-hatching period may be linked to ileum development or foreign matter contact.