Anatomy and histology of the heart in Egyptian fruit bat (Rossetus aegyptiacus)

This study was conducted to obtain more information about bats to help their conservation. Since 5 fruit bats, Rossetus aegyptiacus, weighing 123.04±0.08 g were captured using mist net. They were anesthetized and dissected in animal lab. The removed heart components were measured, fixed, and tissue processing was done. The prepared sections (5 µm) were subjected to Haematoxylin and Eosin stain, and mounted by light microscope. Macroscopic and microscopic features of specimens were examined, and obtained data analyzed by ANOVA test. The results showed that heart was oval and closed in the transparent pericardium. The left and right side of heart were different significantly in volume and wall thickness of chambers. Heart was large and the heart ratio was 1.74%. Abundant fat cells, intercalated discs, and purkinje cells were observed. According to these results, heart in this species is similar to the other mammals and observed variation, duo to the high metabolism and energy requirements for flight.