| Summary: | The appearance of some gastrointestinal endocrine cells in the Meckel's diverticulum (MD) of the bean goose, Anser fabalis Latham was observed using specific antisera against serotonin, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK)-8, glucagon, secretin, somatostatin and human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP) with the peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP) method. Among these specific antisera, serotonin-, gastrin-, CCK-8-, somatostatin- and HPP-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated in this study. Serotonin-, gastrin- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were detected at moderate frequency and CCK-8- and HPP-immunoreactive cells was rare and low frequencies, respectively. These immunoreactive cells were located in the superficial epithelium, intestinal crvpt and intestinal glands with spherical or spindle shaped cells having long cytoplasmic processes (open typed-cell). Mucosal layer of MD was composed of simple columnar epithelium and numerous intestinal glands. In addition, numerous lymphatic tissues were also demonstrated. In conclusion, histological profiles of MD were similar to any parts of the large intestine, especially the cecum, but the appearance, distribution and relative frequency of gastrointestinal endocrine cells were similar to those of upper parts of the small intestine. Although the exact digestive functions were unknown, the finding that the appearance, distribution and relative frequency of gastrointestinal endocrine cells in MD is similar to small intestine may be considered as distinct evidence that this organ may have some digestive functions.
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