Distribution patterns of neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells in the gastro-intestinal tract of higher vertebrates.
The endocrine system of the gastro-intestinal tract of selected species representing the five higher vertebrate classes was investigated with reference to occurrence and distribution of neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells. Using antibodies against C-terminal and N-terminal fragments of neurotensin and against the C-terminal sequence of xenopsin it was demonstrated that the intestine of all species studied contains endocrine, neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells. However, large differences in localization and frequency of these neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells were found. Except for a teleostean fish, neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells in the gastro-intestinal tract were more frequent in non-mamalian vertebrates than in mammals. In contrast to mammals, where the highest density of neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells was present in the ileal mucosa, in the non-mammalian vertebrates studied the corresponding cells were most abundant in the pyloric-duodenal junction. The exact mapping of neurotensin-like immunoreactive cells is presented throughout the entire gastro-intestinal tract of six species (Rattus, Coturnix, Lacerta, Rana, Xenopus, Carassius) including a quantitative evaluation of sequential serial sections.
D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura; D003370:Coturnix / Q000378:metabolism; D004064:Digestive System / Q000032:analysis*; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000032:analysis*; D006054:Goldfish / Q000378:metabolism; D008116:Lizards / Q000378:metabolism; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000032:analysis*; D010802:Phylogeny; D011896:Rana temporaria / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats / Q000378:metabolism; D013045:Species Specificity; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D014981:Xenopus / Q000378:metabolism
D009496:Neurotensin