Immunohistochemical and electron-microscopical identification of neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory tract of rats with experimental uraemia.

The aim of the present study was to characterise immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally the neuroendocrine cells in the pulmonary systems of uraemic rats. Pieces of lung and trachea were collected 1, 2 and 4 weeks after nephrectomy. Paraffin-embedded sections were stained with H+E and by silver impregnation. For the identification of neuroendocrine cells immunohistochemical reactions were performed with the use of specific antibodies against calcitonin (CT), somatostatin (SOM), synaptophysin (SYN), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). For electron microscopy, ultrathin sections were used. The analysis showed an increased number of both the solitary neuroendocrine cells and of neuroepithelial bodies in uraemic rats when compared to control animals.