Maigari et al. J Biomed & App Sci FUD (2025) 4:1
Keywords: Columbidae, Particulate Matter, air pollution
2025-09-29 DOI: Maigari et al. JOBASFUD_2024_3_2_027
Abstract Air pollution is regarded as a major global problem, in both developed and developing countries. There has been an increase in urbanization due to higher activities in transportation and industrialization. This research aims to identify structural changes in airways of Columbidae and establish potential relationships between particulate matter exposure and respiratory health. Methods: A total of 12 pigeons (6 from urban areas and 6 from rural regions) were humanely euthanized using ketamine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg BW) under approved ethical protocols. Immediately following euthanasia, the birds were placed in dorsal recumbency and de-feathered lung and tracheal tissues were carefully extracted. The weight, length, and width of the lungs were measured morphometrically. Standard histological procedures, such as sectioning, fixation in formalin, and staining in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for microscopic inspection, were used to prepare tissue samples. To evaluate structural variations between urban and rural pigeons, the histological features were examined. Data from these measurements were statistically compared between the urban and rural groups to determine the significance of the observed differences related to particulate matter exposure. Results: The findings revealed that urban Columbidae shows tracheal chondrocytes necrosis, indicated by presence of empty lacunae, suggesting structural alterations while the rural Columbidae have intact tracheal architecture. Also, the lung tissues of urban Columbidae showed numerous nucleated cells, which are indicative of an inflammatory response to particulate matter exposure suggesting a higher level of air pollution exposure compared to their rural counterparts. Conclusion: This study revealed that the urban group of Columbidae had ingested carbon particles through their macrophages as seen in the lung parenchyma histologically In contrast the lungs and trachea of the rural group of Columbidae seemed to be relatively clean as compared to it’s urban counterpart, highlighting the more pronounced impact of air pollution in urban communities.