title: Endocrine cells in the oesophagus of the ascidian Styela clava, a cytochemical and immunofluorescence study.
abstract: Immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated the occurrence of an insulin-immunoreactive cell type in the oesophageal epithelium of the Ascidian Styela clava. Staining with aldehyde fuchsin has demonstrated a number of similar small, triangular, cells located on the basement membrane, which may have an endocrine function. Argyrophilic cells have also been found, suggesting the presence of a second endocrine cell type. The absence of argentaffin cells has led us to believe that the cells so far observed do not produce biogenic amines such as 5-HT (5-Hydroxytryptamine). The nature of these cells is discussed with reference to endocrine-like cells found in the digestive tracts of other protochordates.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001485:Basement Membrane; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004947:Esophagus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007328:Insulin; D014561:Urochordata / Q000166:cytology*
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin