Eur J Anat, 1 (2): 77-82 (1997)

Serotonin (5HT) immunoreactivity in the adult mouse lung: an immunocytochemical approach

c. Verástegui, J. Fernández-Vivero, F. Rodríguez, A. Romero, A. Prada, A. Maestro and J.M. de Castro

Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Spain

ABSTRACT We have investigated the occurrence and distribution of serotonin immunoreactive material in the adult mouse lung after treating the animals with the amine precursor 5-hydroxytryptophane. In this report, an immunocytochemical investigation has been undertaken. A widespread distribution of isolated endocrine cells and neuroepi­ thelial bodies was reported within the lung. Sorne serotoni immunoreactive intrinsic ganglia were also observed. The presence of serotonin immunoreactive material in the lung cells sug­ gests that these cells should be characterised as serotonin-containingor that they are able to uptake and decarboxylate the amine precursor.

Keywords: Serotonin, immunocytochemistry, lung.