Atomic Force Microscopy in Morphological Studies of Liver in the American Mink

Abstract

This article contains the results of morphological studies of liver in the American mink (Neovison vison) by atomic force microscopy. We have performed the visualization of hepatocytes, principal cell structures, and intercellular contacts. In contrast to studies on the liver structure by electron microscopy, it is found that hepatocytes have an uneven structure and polygonal shape with a thick central part (with nucleus) and oblong polar parts. The nucleus of the hepatocytes has a round or oval shape, uneven surface, and notable karyolemma. The nucleolus is located on the surface of the nucleus and has a pyramidal shape. The texture of the cytoplasm is unevenly nodular, and the edges of intercellular contacts are uneven. Our data on the nanostructure of liver can be used in measuring of morphological parameters of healthy organs in minks and for the comparative diagnostics of hepatic pathologies.