Proximity between 5-HT secreting enteroendocrine cells and lymphocytes in the gut mucosa of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is suggestive of a role for enterochromaffin cell 5-HT in mucosal immunity.
The involvement of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in immunoregulation has been well documented. Gut mucosa is a large reservoir of 5-HT most of which is attributed to gut endocrine cells. In this study, we examined the anatomical relationship among 5-HT immunoreactive cells and T and B lymphocytes in the gut mucosa of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). 5-HT, CD3 and CD20 immunoreactive cells were immunofluorescently labeled and visualized by confocal microscopy. 5-HT immunoreactive cells were primarily found within the epithelium of the intestine and were present at all levels of the gastrointestinal tract. Many 5-HT immunoreactive cells were in contact with, or very close proximity to CD3(+) and CD20(+) lymphocytes. These results provide morphological evidence to suggest interactions between 5-HT secreting enteroendocrine cells and lymphocytes in the gut mucosa. This further supports a possible role of 5-HT in mucosal immune responses.
Yang
Gui-Bo
GB
Tulane National Primate Research Center, 18703 Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA 70433, USA.
Lackner
Andrew A
AA
D000818:Animals; D004759:Enterochromaffin Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D019858:Enteroendocrine Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin