Histological Structure of the Prostate Gland During Ante and Postnatal Period of Ontogenesis in Dromedary Camel in Algeria

The current investigation was aimed to assess morpho-functional (histological) variations in the prostate of clinically healthy dromedaries during both ante-and postnatal phases of ontogeny. Thirty prostates from two distinct age cohorts (ante-and postnatal) were procured from the EL OUAD slaughterhouse (located in the eastern region of ALGERIA) for microscopic examination, with a focus on delineating the microscopic architecture of the prostate in this species. A range of staining methods, including Haematoxylin and Eosin, as well as silver nitrate impregnation, were employed to elucidate the normal histological framework and developmental trajectory of the prostate across different age groups. Subsequent statistical analysis was conducted to interpret the acquired data with significance set at P<0.05. Our findings revealed discernible patterns of structural and functional differentiation, specialisation and integration within the prostate gland parenchyma. Notable milestones in structural markers were identified, during the seventh month of the intrauterine phase and the eleventh and twelfth months of the foetal period. Epithelial cell secretory activity commenced during the animal’s 36th month, while the formation of lobules and thickening of the capsule layer were observed during the terminal phase of gestation and the postnatal period, respectively. Concurrently, interlobular connective tissue expanded alongside epithelial cell formation and an increase in terminal capillary count, peaking during the pubertal phase of the animals. In summary, our results underscore the association between ante-and postnatal phases of ontogenesis and the initiation of puberty, shedding light on the intricate anatomical and histological dynamics of the dromedary prostate.