Morphology and immunocytochemistry of two endocrine cell types in the guinea-pig esophageal epithelium.
Two types of endocrine cells in the basal layer of the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the guinea-pig esophagus were studied with immunohistochemistry by means of a streptavidin-biotin-bridge technique and by the immunofluorescence double-labelling technique. Cell-type I exhibited immunoreactivity to chromogranin A and to nucleosidetriphosphate-adenosinediphosphate-(ADP)-phosphotransfera se. Ultrastructurally, this cell type was characterized by small cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles in which immunoreactive product was localized. Cell-type II contained large membrane-limited granules, which were moderately electron dense. These granules displayed somatostatin immunoreactivity. Both cell types were located in close vicinity to non-myelinated nerve fibers and small blood vessels. The results provide evidence that, independent from the type of lining epithelium, the gastro-enteropancreatic system in guinea-pig extends to the lower portion of the esophagus.
Heym
C
C
Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Kummer
W
W
D000818:Animals; D053379:Chromogranin A; D002864:Chromogranins / Q000378:metabolism; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D004947:Esophagus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008297:Male; D010770:Phosphotransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000378:metabolism*
D053379:Chromogranin A; D002864:Chromogranins; D013004:Somatostatin; D010770:Phosphotransferases; C021892:nucleoside phosphotransferase