Distribution of calbindin-D28k endocrine cells of gastrointestinal tract and pancreas and some endocrine glands (thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals) of rat

2. ABSTRACT In this study, 20 adult Wistar rats which have been obtained from Elazığ Veterinary Control Research Institue were used. After anesthesia with ether, tissue samples were taken from thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, small and large intestine, and stomach. The tissue samples were processed for paraffin and cryostat sections. Distribution of calbindin in thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, small and large intestine, and stomach were investigated immunohistochemically using an antiserum raised against the 28k Da calbindin from chicken duodenum. Parathyroid, intestine and pancreatic endocrine cells failed to react with the antibodies although immunoreactivity was found in the thyroid, pituitary and adren. Calbindin immunoreactivity was rare in the stomach. But several nerve fibres were showed positive immunoreactivity. In addition, insulin and glucagon immunoreactivity were seen in the pancreas, calsitonin immunoreactivity was found in the thyroid parafollicular C cells. Localization of calbindin D28k in the thyroid, pituitary, adrenals and stomach is suggested to be in a role for calbindin in the mechanisms of calcium mediated endocrine cell stimulation or of intracellular and extracellular calcium homeostasis. Key Words: Calbindin D28k, rat, endocrine gland, endocrine cell, immunohistochemistry.