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Small fluorescent cells in the rat kidney contain 5-hydroxytryptamine not a catecholamine
Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Rat kidney dopamine production was investigated. Small renal medullary cells, previously suspected of producing dopamine, were identified as serotonin-containing mast cells, not contributing to renal dopamine levels.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The rat kidney exhibits dopamine levels exceeding those from known intrarenal and plasma sources.
- Small cells in the renal medulla, appearing monoamine-rich via microscopy, were hypothesized as a novel dopamine source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the identity and function of small monoamine-containing cells in the rat renal medulla.
- To determine if these intrarenal cells contribute to the kidney's dopamine production.
Main Methods:
- Formaldehyde-induced fluorescence microscopy to differentiate catecholamine and indoleamine.
- Chromaffin reaction testing for catecholamine presence.
- Immunoreactivity assays for DOPA decarboxylase and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT).
Main Results:
- Renal medullary cell fluorescence was characteristic of indoleamines, not catecholamines.
- These cells lacked DOPA decarboxylase-like immunoreactivity but showed 5-HT-like immunoreactivity.
- The cells were identified as 5-HT-containing mast cells.
Conclusions:
- The investigated intrarenal cells are serotonin-containing mast cells.
- These mast cells do not contribute to the kidney's dopamine production.
- The source of excess renal dopamine remains to be elucidated.