Microscopic investigation of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor)

The current work attempted to examine the histological and immunohistochemical features of the pancreas in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). Five adult male individuals were used in this study. Utilizing hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome, staining was performed on paraffin sections of the pancreas. Immunofluorescent staining investigated the expression pattern of glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y (NY), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). The exocrine pancreas comprised pyramidal and oval-shaped acini, exhibiting the clustering of zymogen droplets in the apical cytoplasm of acinar cells. The endocrine pancreas was distinguished as a large α islet of Langerhans and small β islets. Alpha cells were localized on the periphery of islets with an intensity of 20.6% ± 12.56. In comparison, Beta cells with 25.14% ± 5.89 intensity were gathered in the middle of the pancreatic islets. Delta cells exhibited 25.69% ± 5.13 intensity and were distributed through the islets. NY and PP cells were detected with 22.74% ± 3.25 and 16.80% ± 4.77 intensity, respectively. These cells showed prevalent distribution in the islets. In conclusion, it appears that although the pancreas of the southern white-breasted hedgehog is generally like other mammalian species, there are some species-specific features in density and dispersal of endocrine cells which can be attributed to the physiological purpose of the pancreas in this species. Future histophysiological investigations are still needed to explore the exact relationship between the histological organization of the pancreas and its function in that animal.