PP/PYY Cells from Endocrine Pancreas of the Scincid Lizard Eumeces inexpectatus Synthesize ACTH- and -MSH-like Molecules

Authors: Putti R.¹; Buono S.¹; Ottaviani E.²

Source: General and Comparative Endocrinology, Volume 116, Number 2, November 1999 , pp. 153-163(11)

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Abstract:

The endocrine pancreas of the scincid lizard Eumeces inexpectatus secretes four major hormones, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP); in addition, other peptides and neuropeptides, often colocalized in one of the principal cell types (A, B, D, and PP), were detected by light and ultrastructural immunocytochemistry. In particular, the pancreas is rich in peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), ACTH, and alpha -MSH immunoreactivity. When single- and double-immunolabeled serial sections were compared for immunostaining for PP, PYY, ACTH, and alpha -MSH, there was broad coincidence with PP, termed PP/PYY, cells in view of the extensive colocalization of these two peptides. Furthermore, ultrastructural morphometric studies revealed similar secretory granules for PP immunoreactive (ir) and ACTH ir cells, while the endocrine cells express pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA, indicating an active, extrapituitary synthesis of the POMC-derived peptides in these cells. In conclusion, the presence of POMC-derived peptides in the endocrine pancreatic cells suggests that they may regulate insulin secretion. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Evolutionary and Comparative Biology, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, 80134, Italy 2: Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Publication date: 1999-11-01