Comparative Study of Some Histological Features in the Pancreas of Some Mammals Having Different Feeding Habits

Abstract

Background: Mammals' endocrine and exocrine systems depend heavily on the pancreas, which aids in functions including digestion and blood sugar management. The pancreas may have differences in histological structure that reflect adaptations to various dietary habits, even though its functional responsibilities are comparable across species. These differences can shed light on the functional and evolutionary connections between pancreatic shape and nutrition. Objective: This study aims to compare the histological features of the pancreas, body weight, and blood glucose level in some mammals with different feeding habits. Methodology: Ten female pangolins, rabbits, and rats each were studied. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were measured. The pancreas was harvested post-sacrifice and analysed histologically using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, Von Gieson, and Gomori aldehyde fuchsin stains to evaluate endocrine and exocrine structures. Results: Rabbits had the highest body (1975±66.2) and blood glucose levels (662.9±6.153), followed by pangolins (1327±48.01)(116.6±6.806) and rats (215.3±6.648) (121.1±6.873). Pangolins had the heaviest pancreas in absolute terms (1.930±0.068), while rats showed the highest relative pancreatic weight (0.0050±0.0) p value < 0.01. Histologically, pangolins exhibited compact acinar architecture with indistinct islets of Langerhans. Rabbits showed loosely organised acini with poorly defined islets, while rats had clearly delineated islets and well-structured lobules. Conclusion: The observed structural and physiological differences in the pancreas across species reflect dietary specialisation and metabolic demands. Pangolins exhibit a predominantly exocrine pancreas adapted to a protein-rich insectivorous diet, while rats and rabbits demonstrate mixed pancreatic features aligned with their respective feeding habits.

Keywords: pancreas,