Histomorphochemical Studies on Accessory Glands of Iraqi Blackbuck (Caprus Hircus)

Abstract

: The various species' male accessory genital glands vary and are intimately related to the pelvic urethra. These glands secrete nutritional substances, buffers, and mucous to increase volume, serve as lubricants, reduce the minor acidity of vaginal contents and make the environment more hospitable to motile sperm. This study aims to study the histological and histochemical structure of the male accessory sex glands in caprine Iraqi breeds. The male accessory genital glands of ten adult males of the local Iraqi buck ( Caprus hircus ) weighing 48-65 kg and aged 18-26 months were obtained from the Al-Najaf slaughterhouse. The specimens were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E), Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction (PAS), and Masson's trichrome stain. In the ampulla, the glands revealed thin, wide tubules bordered by a simple columnar epithelium and pseudostratified columnar epithelium with rounded nuclei. The seminal vesicle, buck's mucous membrane, is folded according to histology. It is a simple columnar epithelium with basal cells in between and nuclei that range from spherical to oval. The gland capsule comprises loose connective tissue (collagen fibers and smooth muscle) that responds favorably to Masson's trichrome stain. The prostate gland, the glandular tissue of the pelvic urethra, is implanted in the wall. The simple columnar epithelium lines these alveoli; however, histological sections reveal that the prostate gland duct-lining epithelium has converted to pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The gland secretion is seromucoid with a positive PAS staining result. In the bulbourethral gland, varied sizes and shapes of secretory units were distinguished. Most secretory units are alveolar in shape, while some are saccular or tubular. The seminal vesicle, bulbourethral glands, and vas deferens ampulla are well-developed and paired. Bucks have scattered prostate glands. The pseudostratified columnar epithelium lines the branching tubular ampulla. Simple columnar epithelium and basal cells cover the mucosa of the seminal vesicle.