NEUROENDOCRINE DIFFUSE SYSTEM OF THE RESPIRATORY-TRACT OF RANA-TEMPORARIA - AN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDY

The neuroendocrine cell population of the respiratory system of Rana t emporaria has been studied by means of immunocytochemical methods at t he light-microscopic level. Isolated or clustered endocrine cells have been found in the epithelium of the buccal cavity, glottis, larynx, a nd lung. Nine different types of endocrine isolated cell types can be distinguished according to their immunoreactivity to several regulator y peptides [calcitonin, substance P, bombesin, peptide histidine isole ucine (PHI), cholecystokinin (CCK), and endothelin 1] and neuroendocri ne markers (7B2, chromogranin, and serotonin). Neuroepithelial bodies are innervated clusters of cells simultaneously immunoreactive for ser otonin and 7B2. Nerves and/or neurons have been detected in different regions of the respiratory system using antibodies against protein gen e product 9.5, serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), subs tance P, PHI, helodermin, and CCK. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.