title: Immunocytochemical study of gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine cells in the vampire bat (Desmodos rotundus).
abstract: The distribution and frequency of gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine cells were studied in vampire bats by immunocytochemistry. Moderate numbers of somatostatin- and a few 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)- and glucagon-immunoreactive cells were seen in the fundic cecum of the stomach. Numerous gastrin- and moderate numbers of somatostatin- and 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were found in the pyloric region. Moderate numbers of 5-HT-, somatostatin-, and gastrin-immunoreactive cells also were found in BRUNNER's glands. In addition to the above-mentioned 4 immunoreactive cell types, cells immunoreactive for glicentin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), and neurotensin were found in the intestine. Numerous insulin-, moderate numbers of somatostatin- and glucagon-, and a few 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were detected in the pancreatic islets with lesser numbers scattered within the exocrine pancreas. Motilin- and pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were not observed in this study.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002838:Chromaffin System / Q000166:cytology*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004759:Enterochromaffin Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000032:analysis; D005755:Gastrins / Q000032:analysis; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000032:analysis*; D005934:Glucagon / Q000032:analysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007120:Immunochemistry; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D010179:Pancreas / Q000032:analysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012633:Secretin / Q000032:analysis; D012701:Serotonin / Q000032:analysis; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D005755:Gastrins; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones; D012633:Secretin; D012701:Serotonin; D013004:Somatostatin; D005934:Glucagon