Gross, histological and histochemical studies on the pineal gland of sheep (Ovis aries)

Abstract

Samples of pineal gland were collected from pre and postnatal groups of sheep. Pineal gland in sheep was a small white, round shaped structure located between the thalamus and corpora quadrigemina of the brain. In group I, it consisted of pinealocytes. In group II, pinealocytes and a few glial cells were observed. In group III and IV outer cortex and inner medulla regions were observed. From group V and VI, cells of the cortex and medulla were reduced and vacuolated spaces increased. A moderate PAS positive and alkaline phosphatase positive activities were observed in pinealocytes of all groups. A weak Millon’s, reaction and acid phosphatase positive reaction were identified in the pinealocytes. A strong positive alpha naphthyl acetate esterase reactions were noticed in the pinealocytes of all groups studied.