Morphological Features of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunoreactive Cells in the Mouse Islets of Langerhans

Abstract

The current immunohistochemical study used the antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to observe the immunoreactive elements in the mouse pancreas. The results indicated the presence of immunoreactive nerve fibers and endocrine cells. The immunopositive nerve fibers appeared as thick and thin bundles; thick bundles were seen to run along the blood vessels giving out fine fibers to the wall. Varicose nerve fibers were seen in the islets of Langerhans and also in close association with the exocrine endpieces. The TH immunoreactive cells were oval-round in shape and some showed the central non-staining area and the dense staining peripheral zone. More than 80% of the islets of Langerhans contained the immunoreactive cells. Individual islet showed between 3-10 immunopositive cells and a few contained 1-2 cells. The TH immunopositive cells were widely distributed in the islets; they were seen in the centre, at the intermediate position and at the periphery of the islets. The exact role of the TH immunoreactive cells in the islets of Langerhans is not known. It is possible that they secrete tyrosine hydroxylase that may have some paracrine influence to the endocrine cells. Wide distribution of these cells in the islets indicates that they may regulate the entire population of the islets cells.

Keywords: Balb/c mouse, Pancreas, Islet of Langerhans, Tyrosine Hydroxylase, Immunohistochemistry