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Neuroendocrine cell populations in normal human lungs: a quantitative study.
J R Gosney1, M C Sissons, R O Allibone
1Department of Pathology, University of Liverpool.
Thorax
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Normal human lungs contain pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, primarily expressing gastrin-releasing peptide or calcitonin. These cells, identified by neurone specific enolase, showed limited serotonin and no leucine-enkephalin, adrenocorticotrophin, or antidiuretic hormone.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary neurobiology
- Cellular endocrinology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) are crucial for lung function and development.
- Previous studies have shown varied distribution and peptide content of PNECs.
- Understanding normal PNEC characteristics is essential for diagnosing lung diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution and peptide co-storage of PNECs in normal adult human lungs.
- To identify specific peptide markers present in these cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to identify PNECs using neurone specific enolase (NSE).
- Antibodies against gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), calcitonin, leucine-enkephalin, serotonin, adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) were employed.
- Argyrophilia staining was also performed.
Main Results:
- PNECs were uniformly distributed in 15 pairs of normal adult human lungs.
- Approximately 65% of PNECs contained GRP, and most of the remainder contained calcitonin.
- Few cells contained serotonin; ACTH and ADH immunoreactivity were absent. Leucine-enkephalin was not detected.
- About 10% of PNECs were argyrophilic; peptide co-storage was not observed.
Conclusions:
- Normal adult human lungs exhibit a consistent distribution of PNECs.
- GRP and calcitonin are the predominant peptides stored in these cells.
- The absence of certain peptides suggests specific functional roles for PNECs in the healthy lung.