OBSERVATIONS ON THE FINE-STRUCTURE OF THE LIVER IN THE CAMEL (CAMELUS-DROMEDARIUS)

The structure of macroscopically inconspicuous livers in 23 adult came ls (Camelus dromedarius) was studied by light and transmission electro n microscopy. A well-developed connective tissue characterizes the cam el liver. Thick trabeculae divide the liver parenchyma into lobules. P ortal tracts and central veins are surrounded by a variable amount of fibrous tissue. In the perisinusoidal space (DISSE), collagen fibres f orm a dense three-dimensional network around the sinusoids. A mild to moderate fatty infiltration is present in hepatocytes of all animals. In the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, small to medium sized lipid inclusions are a common feature. The ultrastructure of hepatocytes in the camel liver corresponds to that of other domestic mammalian speci es. The endothelial cells lining the sinusoids show a multiple fenestr ation and are surrounded by a discontinuous basal lamina. Fat-storing cells are numerous and contain lipid droplets varying in size, number and electron density from one cell to another.