Age- and sex-dependent morphological alterations of rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

ABSTRACT: The gut mucosal immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, defending against pathogens, and shaping microbiota composition in both mammals and birds that develop mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Here, we characterized the formation and maturation of rectal-MALT (RMALT) in chickens. Given that this maturation critically affects immune competence and health, this study aimed to characterize the developmental dynamics of chicken RMALT, considering sex differences. We investigated RMALT in both sexes across three age groups (1 day, 1 month, and 1 year) using integrated histomorphological and functional analyses. Histologically, RMALT in both sexes increased in size and progressed from diffuse lymphoid aggregations to solitary follicles with age. Immunohi

SUBMITTER: Rubel MZU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495167 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature