Histological Studies on The Skin in Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) with Reference to Some Specialized Integument Structures.

Abstract

The present study used light microscopy to describe the histomorphological characteristics of specialized structures of the integument of the cane rat, a precocial rodent widely distributed in moist parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Skin samples from specialized areas of the integuments were collected from seven (7) ethically euthanized cane rats, processed by routine paraffin techniques. The eyelid was lined by stratified squamous epithelium. Hair follicles of primary type were observed at the deeper portion of the reticular layer of the dermis. The tarsal gland was observed at the subepithelial area of the surface epithelium. The ear auricle was lined by stratified squamous epithelium, and the matrix of the auricular cartilage showed chondrocytes within a variable-shaped lacuna surrounded by perichondrium. The palmar surface of the forepaw was lined by stratified squamous epithelium, which was excessively keratinized in the hind paw. Pigmented cells were present at the stratum basale, on both surfaces. Our findings offer valuable insights into the basic histomorphology of specialized areas of the integument in cane rats, which were consistent with related rodent species inhabiting sub-Saharan Africa.