Hemal nodes and hamolymph nodes are lymphoid organs which share morphologic and functional characteristics of lymph nodes and spleens. Hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes are normally present in Korean native goats. Hemal nodes bad extensive subcapsular and deep sinuses distended by a great number of erythrocytes, and no typical cortex and medulla were observed. Blood vessels commonly occurred, but lymph vessel was not observed in the hemal node. Hemolymph nodes had distinct cortex and medulla, and also had afferent and efferent lymph vessels.
The aim of the present study was to obtain new information on the distinct morphological structures of hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes according to ages, and have the basic data for their functions. Goats are divided into 5 groups, consisting of 3 animals aged 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months. The morphological studies of the organs were carried out by gross anatomy, light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.
During aging, there was an increase in the size of the organs, while there were no significant changes of their numbers, locations and colors. As the goat got older, the lymphatic nodules of hemal nodes were more developed, and the number of macrophage containing phagocytosed erythrocytes was more increased. As the goat was younger, the lymphatic tissues of hemolymph nodes were less developed. There was no difference in distribution of T- and B- lymphocytes according to ages.
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