ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Epithelium
;
Glycocalyx
;
Glycogen
;
Rumen
;
Transport
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The rumen of fetal, 12 hour, and 3 day lambs is lined by a non-keratinized epithelium about 400 μ thick which contains a high concentration of glycogen. By 7 days after birth the epithelium is considerably thinner, contains only traces of glycogen, and resembles the keratinizing epithelium of the adult. No glycogen is found in the keratinizing epithelium of 33–35 day lambs. A PAS reactive glycocalyx is seen first on keratinizing cells in epithelium of the 7 day lamb and is noted in ruminal epithelium of all older animals. The basal surface of the epithelium in the fetus and newborn is smooth. Scattered infoldings are seen on the same surface in 7 and 33–35 day lambs; the basal surface of adult ruminal epithelium is covered by microvillous processes. Differentiation of a glycocalyx and a large basal surface area are indicative of the developing transport function of the epithelium.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00364927
