Location and characterization of the myenteric plexus of insectivorous bats of the species Molossus rufus

Abstract

Bats, from the Molossidae family, are found on all continents. Molossus rufus, are found in Brazil, having an insectivorous feeding habit. The present study aimed to characterize and locate the myenteric plexus in the gastrointestinal tract of Molossus rufus bats from the northwest region of the state of Paraná. Necropsy of five male specimens was performed and the structures corresponding to the stomach and intestines were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological preparation of the material, and 0.5cm of each segment was followed for identification of myenteric ganglia using the technique of Giemsa and the histochemistry of NADPH-diaphorase. The myenteric plexus is found between the circular and longitudinal strata of the tunica muscularis, with neurons gathered in ganglia surrounded by bundles of collagen fibers. The ganglia observed in the membrane preparations were formed by different numbers of neurons, interconnected by bundles of nerve fibers, where isolated neurons could be observed. The location of the myenteric plexus found in bats of the species Molossus rufus is similar to those found in other mammals.