The aim of this study is to describe the presence of neuroendocrine(NE) cells (paraneurons), producing biogenic amines and/orpeptidergic hormones, in the female urethra of wild mainmals, by means of histochemical and double labeling immunofluoresent techniques. 5-Hydroxytrytamine-. chromogranin A-, cholecystokinin- and somatostatin-contain NE cells are present in the urethral epithelium of all the species studied. Paraneurons containing 5-hydrxytryptamine colocalized with chromogranin A or cholecystokinin were also found in all subjects. Such active substances are hypothesized to play a role in the contretion of the urethral musculature, emission of urogenital fluids, and inhibition of endocrine and exocrine secretions.
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