Distribution of Enteroendocrine Cells in the Small Intestine of the One Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Enteroendocrine cells in small intestine plays as endocrine portion by secreting some hormones that works key roles in the regulation of certain important organs. The aim of this study was to examine in detail about distribution of Enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine of the camel. The regional distribution of endocrine cells in the small intestine of the camel, Camelus dromedarius, were investigated using immunohistochemical techniques. Specimens from ten dromedarian camels (Camelus dromedarius) of both sexes with age ranging from 2-8 years were investigated. The immunohistochemistry was performed using Chromogranin A (ChA), and four types of hormones. Immunodetection methods demonstrated that in the camel small intestine, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) and Cholecystokinin (CCK) were expressed in a subset of epithelial cells along the crypt villus axis. The cells that contained gut hormones appeared to be either triangular or flask-like in shape suggesting that they are enteroendocrine cells. Immunohistochemistry of serial sections showed that ChA, which is a specific marker for enteroendocrine cells, was indeed expressed with GIP, GLP-1, GLP-2 and CCK-8 confirms the site of expression to be in enteroendocrine cells. There is an aboral decrease in K-cells and I-cells along of the camel small intestine but an increase in L-cells. The regional distribution of immunoreactive cells in the one humped camel is essentially similar to those of other mammals. In conclusion, the study results showed that the small intestine of camel has distinctive characters immunodetection. Therefore, further experimental and physiological studies are needed.