Hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes are lymphoid organs that share morphologic and functional characteristics of lymph nodes and spleens.
The aim of the present study was to obtain new informations on the distinct morphological structures of hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes according to ages, and to get the basic data for their functions in Korean native goats. Goats were divided into 5 groups, consisting of 3 animals aged 1, 3, 6, 10 and 12 months, respectively. Ultrastructural features of the organs were observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopes.
The sinuses of hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes were lined by endothelial-like reticular cells which had euchromatin-rich nuclei and many cytoplasmic processes, surrounding collagen fibrils. Macrophages containing phagocytosed erythrocytes were often noted in the diffuse lymphatic tissues of hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes. Some mast cells were in contact with the plasma cells near the blood vessel. Hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes had venous sinusallike vessels which were different from the deep sinus. The lymph vessels with valves were observed in the capsule of the hemolymph node. There were no ultrastructural differences of the organs in the age different groups of the animals.
These results suggest that hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes may take part in hemopoiesis, blood filtration and immune reaction in Korean native goats.
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