The distribution of argyrophile and argentaffin cells in the small intestine of rabbits.

The distribution of argentaffin and argyrophile cells has been studied in the small intestine of six rabbits. The conclusions are as follows: 1. The density of argentaffin and argyrophile cells is variable over the length of the small intestine. 2. Both types of cells are most numerous in the duodenum. 3. The overall pattern of distribution reveals a sharp fall in the density of these cells in the proximal one third, or so, of the small intestine. Thereafter, the curve of distribution is almost flat for argentaffin cells while there is a very gradual fall in the density of argyrophile cells. 4. The curve of distribution of both argentaffin and argyrophile cells show the presence of a number of waves of rising and falling density. 5. There are considerable species variations in the distribution of argyrophile and argentaffin cells.