AQUAPORİN 3 IMMUNOLOCALİZATİON AND HİSTOLOGİCAL CHARACTERİSTİCS İN THE DİGESTİVE TRACT OF THE PARTRİDGE (ALECTORİS CHUKAR)

The aim of this study was to make a detailed histological examination of the partridge digestive tract and to determine the distribution and density of Aquaporin (AQP) 3, which is involved in the intracellular transport of water and glycerol in these organs. Method: In the study, 5 healthy partridges were used to examine the digestive tract. The organs of the digestive tract were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histological examination and immunohistochemical staining for AQP 3 immunolocalization. Results: Histologic findings were similar to other poultry species. However, unlike other species, villus development towards the lumen was observed in the colon. Immunohistochemical examination revealed AQP3 expression at various intensities in the digestive tract organs and layers. The highest expression was observed in the esophagus, followed by colon and rectum. The least AQP3 expression was observed in duodenum and jejunum. Conclusion: In conclusion, the expression and localization of AQP3, which plays an important role in body hemostasis and nutritional variability, were determined in the partridge digestive tract in its natural habitat. It is thought that the results obtained will be useful in explaining the function of the aquaporin mechanism, which has limited literature in the avian field, especially on the digestive system.