Bombesin-like immunoreactivity in the avian gut and its localisation to a distinct cell type.
The distribution of a bombesin-like immunoreactive peptide in the avian gastro-intestinal tract was analysed by combined radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemistry. Radioimmunoassay of tissue extracts showed that the largest quantities of bombesin-like immunoreactivity were present in the proventriculus (64.5 +/- 6.0 pmol/g) with smaller but still considerable amounts in the gizzard (40.0 +/- 6.0 pmol/g). Immunocytochemically the extractable bombesin-like immunoreactivity was localised in numerous endocrine cells. These, in the proventriculus, were found mainly in the deeper layers of the mucosa. Further study of these cells by the semi-thin/thin technique revealed the presence of characteristic secretory granules. The functional name BN is proposed for this cell type.
D000818:Animals; D001839:Bombesin; D002645:Chickens; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007422:Intestines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods
D010455:Peptides; D001839:Bombesin