Neuroendocrine cell-axonal complexes in the minor vestibular gland.
OBJECTIVE
To study neuroendocrine cells and nerves in vestibular glands of patients with vestibulitis.


METHODS
Substance P chromogranin, serotonin and neuron-specific enolase immunoreactivity was studied in vestibular gland tissue. Electron microscopic analysis was performed on vestibular duct tissue.


RESULTS
Neuroendocrine cells containing immunoreactive serotonin and chromogranin were demonstrated in a vestibular gland duct of a patient with vestibulitis. Substance P immunoreactive axons were found in submucosal nerves, and rare, positively staining axons were seen in the duct epithelium. In another patient neuroendocrine cells with closely applied intraepithelial axons were demonstrated by electron microscopy in the duct of a vestibular gland.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraepithelial axons are present in ducts of vestibular glands, where they are closely applied to serotonin-containing neuroendocrine cells. This close association and the presence of substance P immunoreactivity in local nerves may play a role in the symptomatology of vestibulitis.
Warner
T F
TF
Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792, USA.
Tomic
S
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Chang
C K
CK
D000328:Adult; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000294:innervation* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D012701:Serotonin; D013373:Substance P; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase