The histomorphology of the African palm squirrel (Epixerus ebii) lacrimal gland.

Abstract

The histomophology of the dorso-lateral lacrimal gland of the African Palm Squirrel –Epixerus ebii, was investigated to establish its normal histology. The grossly almond shaped organ appeared as a pink coloured U-shaped structure with lobules on low magnification. The organ was coated by thin connective tissue fibres. The lobules averaging seven in number contained tubuloalveoalar glands. The cells of the glands were typically serous cells with low columnar shape containing basally located ovoid to spherical nucleus. While some gland acini lumen contained foamy eosinophilic secretions, other acini contained foamy eosinophilic secretions with basophilic materials. These acini were designated types I and II respectively. Periodic acid Schiff reaction revealed that the basement membrane were PAS positive while the gland secretions were poorly PAS positive. This data will fill the knowledge gap and aid biologists’, comparative anatomists’ in further investigative research, while it will be of interest to wildlife clinicians in this species disease management.