Microanatomical Differences between Pangolin (Manis tricuspis) and Rat Ascending Aortae

Abstract

The microanatomy of the ascending aorta has hemodynamic implications. This study, therefore, aim to make a comparative analysis of the microanatomy of the ascending aorta in pangolin and rat since the different ways of life of each mammal can influence the rate of blood flow through the ascending aorta at an given period. Following sacrifice of animals, aortae recovered from pangolin (n=6), and rat (n=5) were processed for histological studies. Tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and orcein. The results of this investigation revealed differences in the microanatomy of the ascending aorta between pangolin and rat. The differences relate essentially to thickness of vascular layers, elastic fiber distribution, nuclear shapes, and perinuclear spaces. These differences correlate with animal size and perhaps modes of life.