Biogenic amine-containing cells in the chicken lung.

Formaldehyde induced fluorescence was used to identify biogenic amine-containing cells in the adult chicken lung. Such cells, found in the parabronchial region, are sparsely distributed. There are at least two types of biogenic amine-containing cells in the lung: one type probably contains serotonin and the other a catecholamine. These cells might function as either a humoral or hormonal regulator of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion or as a receptor involved in control of breathing.