Identification of two populations of biogenic amine-containg cells in the mouse lung

Abstract

Two distinct populations of fluorogenic amine-containing cells were observed in the lungs of nine-week old mice: one with an intense yellow emission, which possible indicates the presence of serotonin; and one emitting a yellow-green fluorescence, which probably indicates the presence of a catecholamine such as dopamine or norepinephrine. Simultaneous identification of two different fluorogenic amine-containing cells, without pre-administration of a precursor to that amine, has not previously been reported. Such evidence of amine-containing cells demonstrated the success of the perfusion-freezing technique and established that cellular storage of fluorogenic amines does occur in vivo under normal physiological conditions. The function of such amine-containing cells has not been established; however, their location and the known physiological effects of amines would suggest regional control of ventilation/perfusion of the lung.