Histomorphological characterization of non-parenchymal cells in the liver of adult pigs of the Jammu region

Abstract

The present study elucidated the histomorphology of non-parenchymal cells in the liver of pigs from the Jammu region. Non-parenchymal cells included Kupffer cells, Ito (hepatic stellate) cells, lymphocytes, and bile duct epithelial cells. Kupffer cells were located along the sinusoidal endothelium and exhibited variable morphology corresponding to their functional states, reflecting their roles in immune surveillance and phagocytosis. Ito cells were identified in the perisinusoidal space of Disse, appearing oval with ellipsoidal nuclei. Lymphocytic aggregations were observed within the parenchyma and portal areas, representing normal hepatic immune architecture. Bile ductules of varying sizes were lined by cuboidal to columnar epithelium, with larger ducts showing secretory features. The findings highlight the structural diversity of non-parenchymal cells and support the pig as a suitable comparative model for human liver studies.