A neuroendocrine marker in tissues of the immune system

Science. 1985 Oct 4;230(4721):89-90. doi: 10.1126/science.3898368.

Abstract

Antibodies to chromogranin, a secretory protein marker for the diffuse neuroendocrine system, were used to analyze rat lymphoreticular tissues by means of immunochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Chromogranin-positive cells were present in spleen, lymph node, thymus, and fetal liver. When these organs were gently dispersed and separated on a Ficoll gradient, the chromogranin-immunoreactive cells became enriched in the dense red-cell pellets. The unexpected distribution of these neuroendocrine cells in all immunologically relevant structures suggests that they may link the nervous and immunological systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Chromogranins / analysis*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Immunosorbent Techniques
  • Lymphoid Tissue / analysis*
  • Mononuclear Phagocyte System / analysis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Chromogranins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins