Open AccessDemonstration of dopamine-immunoreactive cells in the gastrointestinal tract of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).
Author(s) -
Ralph R. Dawirs,
Gertraud TeuchertNoodt,
Willm Uwe Kampen
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry/the journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-5044
pISSN - 0022-1554
DOI - 10.1177/40.8.1619282
Subject(s) - dopamine , dopaminergic , enteroendocrine cell , biology , small intestine , epithelium , chemistry , endocrinology , medicine , endocrine system , hormone , genetics
We investigated dopamine immunoreactivity in the small intestine of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), using a sensitive and selective antibody against glutaraldehyde-conjugated dopamine. Dopamine-immunoreactive cells were found within the mucosal epithelium along the entire extent of the small intestine. Labeled cells were regularly distributed in the upper half of the intestinal villi, basally attached to the basement membrane and always reaching as far as the epithelial surface. Dopamine-containing cells revealed a spindle-like shape, and both light and electron microscopic characteristics relate them to typical open-type gut endocrine cells. Thus, this current study directly identified dopamine as a probable secretory product in basal granulated cells of the small intestine. The functional significance of these cells is discussed in relation to the current view of dopaminergic actions in peripheral tissues.