Endocrine Cells in the Pyloric Region of the Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

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Abstract
The endocrine cells of the pyloric region of the Japanese quail were studied by light microscopy and EM. The quail pyloric region is a narrow circular zone (about 2 mm) between the gizzard and the duodenum; the endocrine cells (argyrophil cells) are concentrated in this region. At least 5 types of endocrine cells were identified: cells characterized by round and large granules (350-550 nm in diameter) whose contents are high to moderate in electron density; cells characterized by round and medium-sized granules (250-350 nm) which possess a dense core and a clear halo; cells characterized by the presence of round and small-cored granules (150-250 nm); cells containing round and large granules (350-550 nm) of high to low electron density; cells identified by the occurrence of microfilaments and polymorphous granules of high electron density. All 5 cell types are recognized as open type cells. The 1st 3 types of cells were located mainly in the lower half portion of pyloric glands; the others were located only in the upper half portion. The 1st 2 types were found much more frequently than the other cell types. The relationships between the endocrine cells in the quail pyloric region and those of the mammalian digestive tracts were discussed.