title: Human gallbladder mucosa ultrastructure: evidence of intraepithelial nerve structures.
abstract: The zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide (ZIO) fixative-staining method was used along with topographical ultrastructure to investigate cholecystectomized human gallbladders under light and electron microscopic techniques. This method delineated neuronal structures which may be involved in controlling the functions of the gallbladder epithelium. Three epithelial cell types were described in the surface epithelium: 1) Columnar clear cells; 2) dark, tuft osmiophilic cells; and 3) basal clear cells with electron-dense granules and showing intense ZIOphilic staining properties. While mucous granules were delineated in the first two cell types, the columnar epithelial clear cells are of uncertain function(s) and content but are probably absorptive cells. The small basal clear cells displaying intense ZIOphilia are associated with intraepithelial nerve endings. These nerve structures may have a sensory and/or motor function(s); they were detected throughout the gallbladder epithelial lining and mucosa.
authors: Department of Anatomy, Akron City Hospital Medical Center, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown 44272.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Gilloteaux
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Pomerants
authors: T R
authors: TR
authors: Kelly
mesh_terms: D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000166:cytology / Q000294:innervation / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D015032:Zinc
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide