Neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neurotrophin receptors in the gut of pantex, a hybrid sparid fish (Pagrus major x Dentex dentex). Localizations in the enteric nervous and endocrine systems

Histol Histopathol. 2001 Jul;16(3):845-53. doi: 10.14670/HH-16.845.

Abstract

The gut of Pantex, a sparid hybrid fish (Pagrus major x Dentex dentex) with a great potential importance for the Italian aquaculture, was histochemically and immunohistochemically investigated in order to evidence components of the intramural nervous and diffuse endocrine systems. The general structural aspects of the intramural nervous system were shown by the Nissl-thionin staining. As in most other fish, it was only organized in the myenteric plexus. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in both nerve cell bodies and terminals all along the gut. The NADPH-diaphorase reactivity too, possibly linked to the synthesis and release of nitric oxide, was present in nerve cell bodies and nerve terminals of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine. In addition, the intramural nervous system was shown to contain Trk (tyrosinekinase) receptors for neurotrophin, as evidenced by Trk A-, Trk B- and Trk C-like immunoreactivities, thus suggesting an involvement of neurotrophin in the function of this system. Trk B- and Trk C-like immunoreactivities were detected in epithelial endocrine cells, too. The additional presence of serotonin- and metenkephalin-like immunoreactivities in numerous endocrine cells in the epithelial layers of the stomach and intestine was showed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Digestive System / anatomy & histology
  • Digestive System / metabolism*
  • Enteric Nervous System / anatomy & histology
  • Enteric Nervous System / metabolism
  • Enteroendocrine Cells / cytology
  • Enteroendocrine Cells / metabolism
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Perciformes / anatomy & histology
  • Perciformes / genetics
  • Perciformes / metabolism*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Acetylcholinesterase