THE NERVOUS SYSTEM-SPECIFIC S-100 PROTEIN IN THE CERVICAL SUPERIOR GANGLION AND IN THE ADRENAL MEDULLA OF RAT

Abstract

This chapter elaborates about the measurable amounts of S-100 protein that were detected by microcomplement fixation assay both in the cervical superior ganglion and in the adrenal medulla of rat, though at a significantly higher concentration in the ganglion. In the adrenal medulla, the protein was detected in Schwann cells encircling the nerve fibres and in satellite cells surrounding the secretory elements but not in secretory cells. S-100 appears to be a molecular marker common to the satellite cells of the sympathetic ganglion and to satellite cells surrounding the neuroendocrine secretory cells of the adrenal medulla. The results suggest a possible homology on both embryogenetic and functional ground for the two satellite cell populations localized in the nervous system and in the endocrine system.