Distribution of some intermediate filaments in ruminant abomasum

Aim: This study was designed to examine the distribution patterns of cytokeratin 8/18/19, vimentin, desmin, peripherin, nestin, and laminin proteins in the abomasum of cows, sheep, and goats, and to determine whether these distribution patterns vary among species. Material and Method: 24 cows of 24 months, 20 sheep and goats of 12 months each were obtained from some private slaughterhouses in the Diyarbakir region. Tissue samples were collected from the acquired abomasum organs' cardiac, fundus, and pyloric regions. The collected tissues were fixed in a 10% formalin-alcohol solution for 18 hours, followed by routine histological processing and embedding in paraffin blocks. Serial sections of 5 µm thickness were prepared from the paraffin blocks. Triple staining was performed for general histological analysis, while immunohistochemical staining was conducted to determine the distribution of IF and laminin. Results: According to the immunohistochemical analysis conducted, it was observed that a total of eight parameters showed distribution in the abomasums of all three species, and their intensity levels varied. It was observed that cytokeratins exhibited relatively weaker reactions compared to other parameters, while peripherin protein was found to be present most intensely. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was observed that epithelial-origin cytokeratins, mesoderm cell-derived vimentin, muscle cell-origin desmin, peripheral nervous system cell-origin peripherin, central nervous system cell-origin nestin, and basal membrane glycoprotein laminin were present in different regions of the abomasum with varying intensities, particularly abundantly in the parietal cells. All of these findings indicate that the abomasum is supported by IFs and laminin. Key Word: Abomasum, Cattle, Intermediate Filament, Goat, Laminin, Sheep