Morphology of the stifle in agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831)

• Published in: Microscopy research and technique 2022-02, Vol.85 (2), p.554-561
• Main Authors: Silva Júnior, José Newton Fernandes, Barros, Gabriel Martins, Fonseca, Clarisse Maria Barbosa, Guerra, Sergio Paulo Lima, Rodrigues, Juliana Brito, Araújo, João Victor Silva, Silva, Andrezza Braga Soares, Sousa Cavalcante, Maria Michele Araújo, Mendonça, Tarsia Giabardo Silva, Conde Júnior, Aírton Mendes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Collagen; Connective tissues; Dasyprocta prymnolopha; Dasyproctidae; Dissection; Domestic animals; Female; Fibers; Fibroblasts; Gastrocnemius muscle; Histology; Joints (anatomy); Knee; Ligaments; Light microscopy; Male; Meniscus; Morphology; Muscles; Optical microscopy; Rodentia; Rodents; Skull; Stifle
• ISSN: 1059-910X; 1097-0029
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23930

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) is a wild rodent of great zootechnical potential, a fact that enables anatomical and morphological studies to support management actions with this animal. In this perspective, this study aimed to describe the anatomy and histology of the agouti stifle joint. Four adult agoutis were used, two females and two males. The animals were submitted to dissection and identification of the structures of the stifle joint. For light microscopy study, samples of the patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments were used. Agouti has a highly congruent patellofemoral joint; elongated patella; medial and lateral fabellae at the proximal insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle; medial and lateral meniscus with lunula; in addition to the presence of the following ligament structures: patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, meniscofemoral ligament, caudal meniscal ligament of the medial meniscus, and medial and lateral cranial ligaments. The patellar ligament presents bundles of parallel collagen fibers with a straight path and coated fibroblasts; collateral and cruciate ligaments had loose and dense connective tissue, coated fibroblasts and collagen bundle undulations, the latter most expressive in the caudal cruciate ligament. Thus, except for the shape and angulation of the stifle, which allows specific movements, the agouti stifle has structures analogous to that of other rodents and domestic animals. Through a macroscopic analysis going to a microscopic view of the agouti knee, macro similarity is verified with other rodents, and the micro patellar ligament presents bundles of parallel collagen fibers with a straight path and coated fibroblasts, collateral and crossed ligaments with loose and dense connective tissue, coated fibroblasts, and collagen bundle undulations.