Introduction: Bats display unique lifestyle; these mammals may be frugivores, insectivores, or hematophages depending on morphological, biological, and anatomical features. Egyptian tomb bats, Taphozous perforatus, are insectivores.
Aim of the Work: This study investigated the histology and ultrastructure of the liver of T. perforatus to assess its adaptation to its diet and way of life.
Material and Methods: Ten healthy adult T. perforatus of each sex were captured from Aborawash, Gizza Governorate, Egypt. Liver specimens were fixed for light and transmission electron microscopy to examine hepatic architecture. Histochemical and special stains were also used.
Results: Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections showed that the hepatocytes arranged in hepatic plates. A radial arrangement of hepatic cords around central veins is generally not apparent, and hepatocytes are separated by blood sinusoids. Histochemical studies showed the presence of collagen fibers around portal triads and glycogen granules scattered throughout the cytoplasm of some hepatocytes. Glycogen accumulated at the ends of other hepatocytes indicating a glycogen flight phenomenon. T. perforatus hepatic cells under TEM are similar to cells from birds and mammals, but with peripheral nuclei, numerous mitochondria, a large number of irregularly shaped lymphocyte aggregations, and dark, oval, elongated nuclei with fenestrated nuclear membranes and very little cytoplasm.
Conclusion: The histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural features of the liver of T. perforatus bats are identical to features of other mammals, with a few exceptions based on lifestyle and energy demand during flight.