Serotonin-immunoreactive cells of peculiar shape in the urethral epithelium of the human penis.
The present study deals with endocrine-like cells in the urethra of human penis. A large number of basal-granulated cells immunoreactive for serotonin were dispersed in the urethral epithelium. No cellular elements were stained positively with antisera against bioactive peptides. The serotonin-immunoreactive cells consisted of a small oval perikaryon and slender processes, and resembled neurons in shape. An apical process reached the urethral lumen. The basal processes frequently branched out in a dendritic fashion, some running laterally for a considerable distance. The number of cells immunoreactive for serotonin was remarkably reduced in subjects over 60 years of age.
D000368:Aged; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D006728:Hormones / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis; D012701:Serotonin / Q000032:analysis*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014521:Urethra / Q000166:cytology*
D006728:Hormones; D007106:Immune Sera; D012701:Serotonin