Histopathological findings in the liver of cetaceans stranded in the Canary islands (1995-2000)

Abstract

From 1995 to 2000, liver samples of 109 cetaceans of different species stranded on the Canary Island coasts have been taken for the corresponding histological study. After necropsy hepatic tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed and included in paraffin. Histochemical and immunohischemical techniques were performed on liver tissues sections for the microscopical study. Because of the variable times between death and necropsy, varied degrees of autolysis were presented in the same specimens making assessment of subtle changes difficult and unreliable. However, many of these were preserved in good morphological conditions for study. Degenerative and inflammatory processes were the most obvious morphological findings observed in many cases. A classification of tbose histological findings and a comparative discussion with liver diseases presented in other parts are present.ed.