Ultrastructural Investigation of the Brain Neuroanatomy in Adult Rhinopoma hardwickii

Document Type : Research and Reference

Authors

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

2 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science , Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

Abstract

Microchiropteran Rhinopoma hardwickii can echolocate during self-powered flight, unlike other Megachiropterans. This study aimed to examine the ultrastructural characteristics of various adult R. hardwickii brain regions. Two adult bats were euthanized via cervical dislocation, and their brains were preserved in glutaraldehyde, followed by rinsing in cacodylate buffer, and then post-fixed with osmium tetroxide. Samples were dehydrated using ethyl alcohol, and then embedded in epoxy resin. For tissue examination, semi-thin sections were stained with toluidine blue, and then the ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl acetate dihydrate and a saturated lead citrate solution. The sections were examined and photographed. The brain is divided into three regions: the forebrain, midbrain (hippocampus), and hindbrain. Using a transmission electron microscope, the brain comprises blood vessels and two cell types: neurons and their supporting glial cells. Neurons appeared as large cells with neuronal processes, they have large nuclei with diffuse chromatin and prominent nucleolus. It has two types: large flask pyramidal cells with a single robust, cortically aligned apical dendrite and several basal dendrites and small non-pyramidal cells that may be stellate or granule cells. Glial cells were well developed, especially in the cerebellum, having four types: astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. This study concluded that the brain of R. hardwickii characterized by its diminutive size and increased number of well-developed neurons, particularly in the cerebellum relative to other brain parts; it also discloses neurological traits linked to echolocation, revealing evolutionary affinities and relationships of chiropteran.

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Delta Journal of Science
Volume 50, Issue 1
February 2025
Pages 106-119

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