Distribution Pattern of the Paneth Cells in Different Regions of the Small Intestine of Sheep and Goat at Light and Electron Microscopic Levels

The aim of the present study was to compare quantitative distribution and histological characteristics of Paneth cells of small intestine in sheep and goats. Ten healthy adult sheep and 10 healthy adult goats (5 male and 5 female in both sexes) of the Lori Bakhtyari breed were selected from Shahrekord abattoir. Prepared tissue sections were analyzed at both light and electron microscopic levels. Paneth cells were distributed in the crypts of Liberkühn, theirs granules were larger and more numerous in deep and cells number showed an increase the proximal of the deudenum towards the distal part of the jujenum followed by a decrease from the proximal of the ileum towards its distal part. In all regions, Paneth cells were more numerous in goats than to sheep. In electron microscopic level, dense granules were found in the apical cytoplasm. Numerical density and surface microvilli of granules were greatest in the jejunum and lowest in duodenum and ileum. In all three regions of jejenum, area of cytoplasmic granules was significantly greater in sheep than in goats. The result showed that paneth cellular structure is almost similar between two species in light and electron microscope levels.