The present study was conducted on the buffalo hemal nodes (n=12) of different age groups. The cellular elements present in the hemal node were lymphocytes, erythrocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, reticular cells and megakaryocytes. The study revealed the presence of hemosiderin pigment formed by the degradation of erythrocytes in the sub-capsular sinus and parenchyma of the hemal node. Macrophages engulfing erythrocytes were observed in sinuses. The amount of the hemosiderin pigment produced was comparatively less in young animals. In calves, few granules of hemosiderin pigment were observed in the sub-capsular sinus as well as in cytoplasm of macrophages and parenchyma of the node, whereas in adult animal’s amount of pigment increased indicating the active process of degeneration of erythrocytes by phagocytic cells. Large quantities of hemosiderin pigment was localized in cytoplasm of the macrophages of adult buffalo indicating that erythrophagocytosis was more pronounced in adult buffalo. Megakaryocytes of varying sizes and shape were also present in the hemal node indicating involvement in erythropoietic activity. These cells were usually found in the lymphatic tissue. Some of these cells were multinucleated and were extremely large with irregular outline. The results of the present study suggested active involvement of buffalo hemal nodes in the process of erythrophagocytosis and erythropoiesis. | Cellular contents and erythrophagocytic activity of buffalo hemal node
