Abstract
In the present study, the gross anatomy, histology and immunohistochemistry of the
plasma cells containing different classes of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) in
oviduct of Indigenous, Shaver 579 and Novojan laying hens were analyzed. The
experiments were conducted during the period from October 2007 to September
2010. A total of fifteen adult healthy laying hens, aged 220 to 360 days and 1.5 to 2.1
kg body weights were used. The morphometry and frequencies of immunoglobulin
containing plasma cells (IgA, IgG and IgM) in the oviduct were statistically
evaluated by RCBD and mean separation was done by DMRT (Duncan's Multiple
Range Test). This study described, the oviduct was pale to yellowish in color in all
cases. The total weight and length of oviduct were 15.50 g and 39.57 cm in
Indigenous, 54.78 g and 75.42 cm in Shaver 579 and 52.38 g and 72.17 cm in Novojan.
The infundibulum was lined by tall columnar epithelium with the presence of
migratory lymphocytes in lamina epithelia. The lymphocytes, sperm host gland and
plasma cells were observed in lamina propria. The lamina epithelia of the magnum
were pseudostratified columnar epithelium. In the lamina propria, albuminous
producing glands and lymphocytes were also observed. The lamina epithelia of
isthmus, uterus and vagina were pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.
Lymphocytes, lymphatic nodules were present in lamina propria of isthmus. The
lymphocytes and plasma cells were also present in the lamina propria of uterus. In
vagina, lymphocytes, sperm host gland, plasma cells were abundantly noted in the
lamina propria. IgG containing plasma cells were most numerous in the glandular
part (Infundibulum to uterus) whereas, in the aglandular part (vagina) IgA, IgG and
IgM cells were most numerous in the present study. The plasma cells were localized
mainly in the lamina propria of the villus core from the infundibulum to the uterus.
In the vagina, in contrast, plasma cells were scattered in the lamina propria. The
frequency of IgA, IgG and IgM positive cells in the Shaver 579 strains of laying hen
were 9.30, 13.67 and 13.14 respectively, In Novojan 4.21, 9.01 and 7.15 respectively
and in the Indigenous 12.83, 19.13 and 17.99 respectively. The population of Igs
containing plasma cells (IgA, IgG and IgM) was found to be the highest in the vagina
in Indigenous (Native) laying hen. It indicates that the native chickens are provided
with strong local immune system and may take part in an imperative function in
preventing infection as the vagina opens to the cloaca which contains numerous
exogenous pathogens.