Examination of the Liver and Digestive Tract of Spermophilus citellus During and Post-Hibernation

Histological and cytological changes in the liver and small intestine tissues of Spermophilus citellus ( S. citellus ) during and post-hibernation were examined. Microphotographs were taken under the light and electron microscope for this purpose. During hibernation, it was determined that the number of Kupffer cells in the liver increased, and the areas of PAS-negative staining increased. In the small intestine, it was determined that the length of the villi was shortened and the surface area was reduced, and there was a decrease in the crypt depth. In post-hibernation, a decrease in the number of Kupffer cells and an increase in PAS-positive areas were observed in the liver. In post-hibernation, in the small intestine, an increase in villus lengths, villus surface area, and crypt depth was determined. An independent samples t-test was performed to analyze the data obtained about the small intestine. The results will reference studies on the liver and digestive tract.