THE ENDOCRINE-CELLS IN THE GASTROENTERIC TRACT OF ADULT FALLOW DEER (DAMA-DAMA L)

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.