Thirteen samples of the ostrich pancreas were used to show the histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and fine structure of the pancreas. H&E, Gomori method and Crossman’s trichrome; PAS and alcian blue stain were used for histological and histochemical demonstration respectively. Immunohistochemical detection of alpha, beta and delta cells was denoted by cytoplasmic reaction .It was covered by thick CT capsule that lined by mesothelial cells. The pancreatic acini consisted of pyramidal cells with basophilic nuclei and prominent nucleolus and large, coarse granules (Zymogen granules) in the apical part of the cytoplasm. Numerous islets of langerhans were distributed between the pancreatic acini. It consisted mainly of three types of cells, Alpha cells (A cells) which were numerous, columnar in shape with oval nuclei and uniform granules. Beta cells (B cells) which were polygonal in shape with small basely situated nuclei .It characterized by large granules of different shapes that, were surrounded by haloes. Delta cells (D cells), which were triangular in shape and characterized by dark cytoplasm and large uniform granules. The islets cells were located also as dispersed cells between the pancreatic acini. Positive immunohistochemical reaction appeared in the cytoplasm of alpha, beta and delta cells |
