Morphology and immunocytochemistry of two endocrine cell types in the guinea-pig esophageal epithelium

Abstract

Two types of endocrine cells in the basal layer of the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the guinea-pig esophagus were studied with immunohistochemistry by means of a streptavidin-biotin-bridge technique and by the immunofluorescence double-labelling technique. Cell-type I exhibited immunoreactivity to chromogranin A and to nucleosidetriphosphate-adenosinediphosphate-(ADP)-phosphotransfera se. Ultrastructurally, this cell type was characterized by small cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles in which immunoreactive product was localized. Cell-type II contained large membrane-limited granules, which were moderately electron dense. These granules displayed somatostatin immunoreactivity. Both cell types were located in close vicinity to non-myelinated nerve fibers and small blood vessels. The results provide evidence that, independent from the type of lining epithelium, the gastro-enteropancreatic system in guinea-pig extends to the lower portion of the esophagus.