APUD-type recepto-secretory cells in the chicken lung.

The epithelium of the intrapulmonary airways of the chicken lung has been studied by fluorescence and electron microscopy. Numerous intensely yellow-fluorescent cells occur in the epithelium of the primary and secondary bronchi. The cell cytoplasm contains characteristic granular vesicles with an electron-dense central core. The vesicles react positively to chromaffin and argentaffin treatment, indicating that they are possible storage sites for amines. Synapse-like junctions occur between the granular cells and the intraepithelial nerve endings, filled with numerous mitochondria, suggesting that these granular cells may have a dual function as both receptor and endocrine cell.