Abstract
Serotonin (5HT)-containing epithelial cells in rat duodenum were studied quantitatively by three-dimensional morphometric analysis. Longitudinal sections covering the whole length of rat duodenum were stained by either 5HT immunohistochemistry or by glyoxylic acid fluorescent histochemistry. Three-dimensional values for positive cell density, namely the number of 5HT cells per unit volume of the epithelium, were obtained by stereological morphometry with the aid of a computer-assisted image analyzer. This analytical method provides an absolute value for the distribution density of 5HT-containing cells regardless of thickness of sections, or which of the two histochemical procedures is used. The mean number of such cells per unit volume was higher in the crypts than in the villi but varied little along the duodenum. The density of 5HT cells in a given duodenal region, however, varied greatly among individual animals. The villi of the 10 to 16-mm segment from the pylorus were identified as having the smallest individual variation and therefore as being the most suitable for statistical evaluation in future pharmacohistochemical investigations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
