ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY ON EC CELLS IN THE GOOSE GUT BY ANTIBODY-COLLOID GOLD TECHNIQUE / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The ultrastructure of EC cells in the goose intestine was studied by means of antibody-colloid gold technique with high specific rabbit anti-5-hydroxytryptamin serum.Electron microscopic observation showed that the EC cells were characterized by markedly pleomorphic secretory granules (round, ovoid, pyramidal, rod-, pear-and kidney-shaped etc.). Most of the secretory granules showed high electron density with heterogeneous internal structure, but many with central cavitation and a few with central dense body and less dense in the periphery. The bounding membrane of secretory granules adhered closely to the cores. In duodenum, the EC cells can be grouped into two populations, one with smaller secretory granules and the other with larger. The EC cells with smaller granules were predominant in duodenum. In caecum, the maximum diameter of the secretory granules of EC cells was larger than that of duodenal EC cells. Many long cytoplasmic processes of EC cells, shaped 'leg-foot' like, were observed in caecum. The processes began at the basal part of EC cells and extended along the basement membrane.