Immunohistochemical study of the distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the camel (Camelus bactrianus)

The regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the camel, Camelus bactrianus, were investigated using immunohistochemical methods. Ten types of immunoreactive (IR) endocri ne cells were identified in this study. Among these cell types, only seroto nin- and somatostatin-IR cells were detected in almost all regions of the g astrointestinal tract. Most of the cell types showed peak density in the py loric gland region. The others showed restricted distribution: gastrin, cho lecystokinin (CCK), motilin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), and (gast ric) substance P in the stomach; gastrin, CCK, BPP, gastric inhibitory poly peptide (GIP), glucagon, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) and substance P in the small intestine; and CCK, motilin, BPP, and PW in the large intestine. Fundamentally the distribution pattern of endocrine eels in the gastrointe stinal tract of the camel is similar to that of cattle. The distribution an d frequency of endocrine cells in the glandular sac region are the same as those of the cardiac gland.