Distribution and microstructure of intrarenal arteries in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus)

Abstract

Studies and reports focusing on the Bactrian camels’ kidney structure from an anatomical perspective are scanty, therefore, this work aims to systemically investigate the anatomical structure of the kidney and examine the distribution and microstructure of intrarenal arteries. Ten pairs of healthy adult kidneys from male and female Bactrian camels were used in the study. The kidney of Bactrian camel appeared like a broad bean with a smooth surface. Using artery casting, we observed that the renal artery divided into dorsal and ventral branches; the dorsal branch continuously divided into a shorter anterior branch and a longer posterior branch, while the ventral branch directly divided into interlobar arteries. The number of interlobar arteries in the left and right kidneys were slightly different, 14 to 16 in left while 16 in the right kidney. No anastomosis was found between the dorsal and ventral branches or their sub- branches. To further study the microscopic structure, microanatomy and scanning microscope were used. Surprisingly, we observed two other ways afferent arteriole arose apart from the interlobular artery. They were the arcuate artery and conjoint afferent arteriole. Two afferent arterioles supplied one glomerulus and occasionally the absence of glomerulus was also observed, where the arteriole kept extending, and no typical glomerulus formed. Since branching of arteries and urologic function of kidneys are physiologically integrated, these features of Bactrian camel may help to further investigate their adaptations to desert climate.