Endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of sheep : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Histology at Massey University
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Date
1985
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Massey University
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Abstract
Previous investigations have shown that the digestive activities of the mammalian GI tract are controlled, in part at least, by biologically active compounds released from endocrine cells in the mucosa of the GI tract itself. Despite this, comparatively few studies have been made of the endocrine cells in the GI tract of sheep. There is also a paucity of information about the suitability and reliability of histochemical and immunohistochemical methods for the identification of GI endocrine cells in sheep. The aims of this study were to: (a) establish reliable techniques for identifying endocrine cells in the GI tract of sheep, (b) use these techniques to investigate the effects of age on the distribution and densities of various GI endocrine cells, and (c) investigate possible changes in endocrine cell densities due to infection with the helminth parasite Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Initially, various histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques were investigated for their suitability for identifying endocrine cells in mucosal samples from reticulum, rumen, body and antral regions of the abomasum, three duodenal sites, ileum, colon and caecum, as well as the pancreas, of adult animals. As a result, the De Grandi technique was selected to estimate argyrophilic cell densities, EC cells were identified by the fast garnet technique, and ECL cells by their silver staining and morphological characteristics. The PAP immunohistochemical technique was used to identify G, S, and A cells, using antisera to gastrin, secretin, and pancreatic glucagon, respectively. No endocrine cells of any type were found in the reticulum or rumen. Argyrophilic cell densities were greatest in the abomasal body and proximal duodenum, then decreased distally. EC cell densities were highest in the duodenum, although, like argyrophilic cells, they were found throughout the abomasum and intestines. In contrast, ECL cells were confined to the abomasal body. Greatest densities of G cells occurred in the abomasal antrum and proximal duodenum; they were absent from the abomasal body, ileum and large intestine. S cells were confined in their distribution to the small intestine. Pancreatic islets of Langerhans contained A cells, as well as cells with slight argyrophilia; the identity of the latter cells was not determined. A cells were also found in exocrine acini, but these were the only cells in the exocrine portion of the pancreas that were stained by any of the histochemical or immunohistochemical techniques used. No A cells were identified in the mucosa of the GI tract. These studies also clearly established that ovine G cells are not argyrophilic. This finding is in contrast to those reported for most mammalian species with a simpler form of stomach. The effects of age on endocrine cell densities were studied using the tissues from 100 - 110 day old foetuses, 2 week and 24 week old lambs, and adult sheep. All endocrine cell types identified in adult sheep were also present at the other ages. However, in the foetuses, endocrine cell densities were lower than in other age groups. The most notable age-related trend was that antral G cell densities increased with increasing age. In contrast, from 2 weeks of age, there was a decrease in intestinal G cell densities with increasing age. It was also clear that D cell densities were much higher in 2 week old lambs than for any other age group. Possible explanations for these age-related changes in endocrine cell densities are discussed. D (somatostatin containing) cells were located throughout the abomasum and intestines of all nonadult animals and in pancreatic islets of 2 and 24 week old lambs. The effects on endocrine cell densities of an experimental infection with 40,000 T. colubriformis larvae was investigated in 40 week old lambs. Although the resultant infestation was mild, there was a significant (P<0.001) increase in argyrophilic cell densities in the proximal small intestine. Specific identification of the argyrophilic cell type(s) which had increased was not possible, however, the most likely candidates were D1, X and K cells. It was concluded from these studies that endocrine cells, similar in morphology and staining characteristics to those of other mammalian species, occur within the mucosa of the abomasum, small and large intestine of sheep. Greatest densities of endocrine cells occur in the abomasum and proximal duodenum. Cell types identified in the GI tract included EC, ECL, G, S and D cells, while D and A cells were identified in pancreatic islets. It was demonstrated that endocrine cell densities change with age and that significant changes in cell densities can occur in mild trichostrongylosis.
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Sheep physiology, Alimentary canal, Gastrointestinal tract, Endocrinology, Histology, Ovine endocrine cells