[Changes induced by simple jejuno-ileal by-pass models in the distribution of D-cells producing intestinal...

Cells that produce somatostatin are widely distributed throughout the digestive tube. They are found in the stomach, small bowel, large bowel and pancreas. The authors used 54 Wistar rats, with an approximate weight of 300 gr, to evaluate the possible variations of the D cell population in isolated and functional intestinal segments, using jejuno-ileal bypass as a model. Rats were divided into three groups, a control group and two groups in which simple derivation techniques were performed following the techniques of Payne and DeWind, and Scott. Rats were sacrificed after 7, 30 and 90 days in subgroups of six animals. Macroscopic, microscopic and ultrastructural studies were carried out. Cells were specifically stained using immunocytochemical techniques (PAP). The corresponding values of the mucous areas were obtained using a computerized image analyzer (Quantimet 800) and then the number of D cells per mm2 mucosa was calculated. The results show a decrease in the number of D cells per mm2 of mucosa in the functional intestinal segments and degranulation of these cells, coinciding with the existence of large areas of rough endoplasmic reticulum (sign of cellular hyperactivity).