Neuroendocrine cells of the human lung express substance-P-like immunoreactivity

The occurrence of substance P (SP) in the neuroendocrine population of human lungs was investigated by immunohistochemical methods. All individuals studied (n = 16) had SP-like immunoreactive cells, being more numerous in lungs of fetuses and newborn infants than in adults. These cells, both solitary and forming neuroepithelial bodies, were found at all levels of the respiratory mucosa. Solitary neuroendocrine cells and neuroepithelial bodies were found in the bronchial and bronchiolar mucosa, while at the alveolar level neuroepithelial bodies were also seen. A more intense SP-like immunoreactivity was found in the basal cytoplasm of these cells. Occasionally they show cytoplasmic prolongations which interdigitate with neighboring epithelial cells. These facts suggest that SP-like immunoreactive cells may have a paracrine or local secretion function, acting over surrounding epithelial cells or structures situated in the lamina propria. The evidence of great numbers of SP-like immunoreactive neuroendocrine cells in fetuses and infants might be the expression of a functional role of SP in lung development.