Microscopic study of the pig ureteral urothelium.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the structure of normal pig ureteral urothelium.


METHODS
Normal ureters of adult pigs [Large White] were studied by light microscopy. Cells were stained histochemically for glycogen and mucin with Periodic Acid Shiff and Alcian Blue.


RESULTS
Pig urothelium has a comparable structure to that of man: transitional epithelium comprising 4 to 5 cell layers. However, several mucinous cells are seen between the urothelial cells.


CONCLUSIONS
The pig ureter differs from human ureter due to the presence of mucinous cells in the ureteral urothelium under normal conditions. This feature must be taken into account in the interpretation of experimental results obtained with this model.
Desgrandchamps
F
F
Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.
Moulinier
F
F
Cochand-Priollet
B
B
Wassef
M
M
Teillac
P
P
Le Duc
A
A
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D013552:Swine; D014513:Ureter / Q000166:cytology*; D019459:Urothelium / Q000166:cytology