Age Related Histomorphochemical Changes in Ovaries of Punjab White Quail

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to elucidate histomorphological and histochemical studies on ovaries of Punjab white quail. The birds were divided into four age groups 8weeks, 16weeks, 24weeks and 30weeks. The study revealed that entire ovary was covered by single layer of squamous to cuboidal epithelium depended on the presence or absence of follicles. The cortex was separated from medulla by a thin layer of connective tissue called tunica albuginea at 8 weeks of age. The tunica albuginea was composed of abundance of collagen fibers with few reticular and elastic fibers. This layer started regress at 16 weeks and was completely diminished at 24 weeks and 30 weeks of age. The medulla was comprised of loose connective tissue and large number of blood vessels, lymph vessels and lacunars channels. With advancing age, these lacunars channels increased in number. Smooth muscle fibers along with nerve fibers were also seen. Micrometrical data showed that the mean height of the epithelium increased with the age but was maximum at 24 weeks of age whereas thickness of the cortex and medulla was maximum at 16 and 8 weeks of age. Histochemical studies revealed that PAS reaction was strong in the surface epithelium, moderate in the cortex and medulla. Acid mucoploysaccharides were strong in the surface epithelium, moderate in cortex and theca layers, weak in medulla. Surface epithelium showed strong to intense reaction for basic proteins. Sudanophillic lipids were weak in the epithelium, cortex and medulla.