title: Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry of atrial natriuretic polypeptide in porcine heart.
abstract: Specific granules in porcine hearts were observed in atrial cardiocytes, Purkinje fibers, and transitional cells of the ventricle. These granule-containing cells were immunohistochemically stained by applying the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method using an antiserum against alpha-human atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP). Immunoelectron microscopy of sections stained using the immunogold method indicated that these specific granules are storage sites of ANP. Furthermore, an impulse-conducting system consisting of immunoreactive cells was clearly distinguishable from nonimmunoreactive ventricular cardiocytes. We conclude that specific-granule-containing cells, i.e., ANP-producing cells, are located in both the atrial walls and the ventricular impulse-conducting system. The presence of ANP may be correlated with impulse conduction.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000378:metabolism; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007120:Immunochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011690:Purkinje Fibers / Q000378:metabolism; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor