An histological and immunocytochemical study of the neuroendocrine cells in the intestine of Podarcis hispanica Steindachner, 1870 (Lacertidae)

Numerous endocrine cells can be observed in the gut of the lizard Podarcis hispanica after application of the Grimelius silver nitrate technique. The argyrophilic endocrine cells are usually tall and thin in the small intestine but short, basal, and round in the large intestine. Eleven types of immunoreactive endocrine cells have been identified by immunocytochemical methods. Numerous serotonin-, caerulein/gastrin/cholecystokinin octapeptide-and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine-immunoreactive cells; a moderate number of pancreatic polypeptide-, neurotensin-, somatostatin-, glucagon-like peptide-1-and glucagon-immunoreactive cells, and few cholecystokinin N-terminal-and bombesin-immunoreactive cells were found in the epithelium of the small intestine. Coexistence of glucagon with GLP-1 or PP/PYY has been observed in some cells. In the large intestine a small number of serotonin-, peptide tyrosine-tyrosine-, pancreatic polypeptide-, neurotensin-, somatostatin-and glucagon-like peptide-1-immunoreactive cells were detected. Vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivity was found in nerve fibers of the muscular layer. Substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers were detected in lamina propria, submucosa and muscular layer. Chromogranin A-immunoreactive cells were observed throughout the intestine, although in lower numbers than argyrophilic cells.