Endocrine cells containing somatostatin (Som), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nerve fibers containing choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), galanin (Gal), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were immunolocalized in the proventriculus of the Houbara bustard, Chlamydotis undulata. While GRP-immunoreactive (GRP-IR) cells occur in the inner zone, somatostatin (Som-IR) and polyclonal nNOS (nNOS-IR) immunoreactive cells were localized mainly in the peripheral zone of submucosal glands. GRP-IR, Som-IR, and nNOS-IR cells were occasionally observed in the walls of the gastric glands. Endocrine cells are of the closed variety and usually possess apical processes extending along the basal surfaces of adjacent nonreactive cells. Ultrastructural features of these cells are typical. ChAT, Gal, SP, VIP, and TH were immunolocalized in nerve fibers and terminals in the walls of arterioles and capillaries at the periphery of submucosal glands. Immunoreactivity to monoclonal nNOS occurred mainly in neuronal cell bodies in ganglia located around the submucosal glands. ChAT and TH immunoreactive cell bodies were also occasionally seen around the submucosal glands in the peripheral region. Immunoreactivity to Gal, SP, and VIP, but not ChAT or TH, was discernible around the walls of gastric glands. It was concluded that the distribution of neurotransmitters in neuronal structures is similar, but that of the endocrine cells varies from that of some avian species. The roles of these neurotransmitters in the regulation of acid secretion are discussed.
Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.