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Differential localisation of substance P and motilin
Abstract:
Motilin, and Substance P, have previously been shown to be present in enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut mucosa. By comparing a specific immunofluorescence stain for Substance P with an immunoperoxidase reaction for motilin, applied sequentially to the same tissue section, it is possible to demonstrate that the two peptides are present in different cells. It is concluded that a) at least two different types of EC cells must exist and b) these results provide further evidence for the neuroectodermal origin of the gastrointestinal APUD cells. Studies of the degranulation pattern of EC cells could help to elucidate the role of amines in the mechanism of storage and secretion of different peptides under normal and pathological conditions.
Insights
Motilin and Substance P are found in different enterochromaffin (EC) cells, indicating at least two EC cell types exist. This supports the neuroectodermal origin of gastrointestinal APUD cells.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut mucosa contain peptides like motilin and Substance P.
- Previous studies suggested co-localization of these peptides within EC cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise localization of motilin and Substance P within gut mucosal cells.
- To determine if motilin and Substance P reside in the same or different enterochromaffin cells.
- To provide further evidence for the neuroectodermal origin of gastrointestinal APUD cells.
Main Methods:
- Sequential immunofluorescence staining for Substance P and immunoperoxidase reaction for motilin on the same tissue sections.
- Comparative analysis of staining patterns to differentiate cell populations.
Main Results:
- Motilin and Substance P were demonstrated to be present in distinct cell populations within the gut mucosa.
- The results clearly show that these two peptides are not co-localized in the same enterochromaffin cells.
Conclusions:
- At least two distinct types of enterochromaffin (EC) cells exist, each containing different peptides.
- These findings strengthen the evidence supporting the neuroectodermal origin of gastrointestinal amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) cells.
- Further research into EC cell degranulation patterns may clarify the role of amines in peptide storage and secretion.