Histological differenciation of the prenatal development of bovine kidney

Abstract

A Histomorphological study was conducted on the kidney of 25 fetuses of the African zebu cattle collected from the Sokoto metropolitan abattoir, over a period of one month at different gestational ages. The approximate age of the fetuses was estimated from the crown vertebral rump length (CVRL) and samples were categorised into first, second and third trimester.  Out of the twenty five (25) fetuses at different gestational age used for the study, twelve (48%) were females while thirteen (527%) were males. 10(40%) fetuses belong to first trimester, 10(40%) belong to second trimester and 5(20%) belong to third trimesters of pregnancy respectively. The mean crown vertebrate-rump length (CVRL) ranged from 14.60 ± 2.0 cm at first trimester to 100.50 ± 3.0 cm at third trimester. Histological observation shows that the kidney appeared to have two zones via cortex and medulla right from first to third trimester. The development of renal tissues were found to be in succession, from the stage of mesenchyme cells, developing glomerulus and finally to fully developed glomerulus with advancement of gestational age among the three groups. The duct system also followed the same trend of development from immature to matured duct system. The cortex of the first trimester kidney was found to have numerous mesenchymal cells and connective tissues with few developing glomerulus. At second trimester few fully developed glomerulus were found, moderate number of mesenchyme cells and immature developing duct system. Numerous developed glomerulus and matured duct system with moderate developing glomerulus and connective tissue were seen at third trimester.