Neuroendocrine diffuse system of the respiratory tract of Rana temporaria: an immunocytochemical study.

The neuroendocrine cell population of the respiratory system of Rana temporaria has been studied by means of immunocytochemical methods at the light-microscopic level. Isolated or clustered endocrine cells have been found in the epithelium of the buccal cavity, glottis, larynx, and lung. Nine different types of endocrine isolated cell types can be distinguished according to their immunoreactivity to several regulatory peptides [calcitonin, substance P, bombesin, peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), cholecystokinin (CCK), and endothelin 1] and neuroendocrine markers (7B2, chromogranin, and serotonin). Neuroepithelial bodies are innervated clusters of cells simultaneously immunoreactive for serotonin and 7B2. Nerves and/or neurons have been detected in different regions of the respiratory system using antibodies against protein gene product 9.5, serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, PHI, helodermin, and CCK.