Endocrine cells were detected in the gastro-enteric tract of the fallo
w deer by means of immunohistochemical procedures, using antibodies ag
ainst serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, glucagon and cholecystokinin.
The number of cells positive for each antiserum in each region was eva
luated. Serotonin-containing enterochromaffin (Ec) cells were present
in every region investigated and were most numerous in the proximal du
odenum. Cells positive for somatostatin were present in all the region
s studied, with the exception of the colon, and were especially numero
us in the proper gastric-gland region. Cells that were stained by the
anti-gastrin antibody were very numerous in the pyloric-gland region b
ut only rare in the duodenum. Glucagon-immunoreactive cells were only
detected in the large intestine and their frequency was always less th
an 10/0.5 mm(2). Cholecystokinin-containing cells were scarce and rest
ricted to the pyloric-gland region and duodenum.