Serotonergic neurons in the peripheral nervous system: identification in gut by immunohistochemical localization of tryptophan hydroxylase.

A specific antibody to tryptophan hydroxylase [L-tryptophan, tetrahydropteridine:oxygen oxidoreductase (5-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.16.4] has been used to localize the enzyme immunohistochemically in neurons of the mammalian gut. The enzyme was found in perikarya of intestinal neurons of mice, rats, and guinea pigs. Neurons containing the enzyme survived for up to 3 weeks in organotypic tissue culture and were intrinsic to the gut. These neurons are probably serotonergic and are the first such neurons to be found in the peripheral nervous system.