Innervation of the pancreas of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) by neuropeptide-Y, galanin, calcitonin-gene-related-peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide and cholecystokinin.

The distribution of neuropeptide-Y (NPY), galanin (GAL), cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pancreas of the camel was investigated using immunohistochemical techniques. NPY-immunoreactive neurons were observed in the pancreatic ganglia and also in the interacinar regions of the exocrine pancreas. NPY was discernible in fine varicose nerve fibres ending on NPY-negative cells and in the walls of blood vessels. ANP immunoreactivity was observed in nerve fibres situated on the basolateral surfaces of the acinar cells. CCK-8, GAL and CGRP immunoreactivity were observed in neurons and varicose nerve fibres in the walls of blood vessels. Of all the neuropeptides investigated, only NPY appeared to be densely distributed in the pancreas of the camel. It is concluded that the pattern of distribution of these neuropeptides in the camel pancreas is similar to those observed in the pancreata of other mammals.