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Somatostatin in human enteric nerves. Distribution and characterization.
Cell and Tissue Research
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Somatostatin nerves and endocrine cells are widespread in the human digestive system, particularly in the intestine. Their distribution varies across different gut regions, suggesting diverse physiological roles.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Somatostatin is a peptide hormone with diverse physiological functions.
- Its role in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly its neural distribution, requires detailed characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive nerves and endocrine cells in the human stomach and intestines.
- To determine the chemical nature of somatostatin in different intestinal layers.
- To compare the human enteric somatostatin innervation with that of laboratory animals.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to localize somatostatin-immunoreactive nerves and endocrine cells.
- High-pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay were employed to identify somatostatin in tissue extracts.
Main Results:
- Somatostatin nerves and endocrine cells were found throughout the human stomach and intestines, with specific regional variations.
- Authentic somatostatin-14 was identified in the external musculature, submucosa, and mucosa of the intestine.
- Nerve fibers formed distinct plexuses in the mucosa and innervated submucous ganglia and muscle layers, with sparser innervation in the large intestine.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin-immunoreactive nerves are extensively distributed in the human gastrointestinal tract, with a notable presence in the submucous and myenteric plexuses.
- The findings suggest significant roles for somatostatin in regulating gastrointestinal function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise functions of these somatostatin nerves.