An immunocytochemical study of endocrine cells in the gut of a stomachless teleost fish, grass carp, Cyprinidae.

Nineteen different antisera raised against mammalian hormones were used to identify the occurrence and distribution of endocrine cells in the gut of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Positive reactions were obtained in gut epithelium with antisera gastrin, glucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide, leucine enkephalin, substance P, and bovine pancreatic polypeptide. No immunoreactive product was formed using antisera against somatostatin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, insulin, avian pancreatic polypeptide, motilin, cholecystokinin, secretin, neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, bombesin, neuron-specific enolase, prochymosin, and pepsinogen. The exact distribution mapping of six kinds of immunoreactive endocrine cells throughout the gut of grass carp (C. idellus) is presented. The morphological characteristics of immunoreactive endocrine cells is described. Their distribution characteristics and possible modes of secretion and function are discussed. Finally, the possible relationship between the transplantation of these cells in the gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine system is discussed.