Two types of glomus cell in the rat carotid body as revealed by ?-bungarotoxin binding

摘要: Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated α-bungarotoxin (αBgt) was used to localize αBgt-acetylcholine receptor sites in the rat carotid body. Two types of glomus cell were differentiated on basis staining their plasma membranes by conjugate: type A, devoid or only partly stained; and B, exhibiting over entire surface. The parts A supporting cells stained always direct apposition B cells. It is concluded that are possibly specific binding αBgt. Other morphological characteristics quantitative studies indicated presented this study equivalent those described body other investigators (McDonald & Mitchell, 1975). αBgt-HRP facilitated observation distribution pattern parenchyma: arranged groups often showed polarity toward neural elements sinusoidal capillaries; clusters frequently situated a demilune-like fashion Because differences morphology, synaptology, αBgt-binding affinity, blood vessels, we propose represent functionally distinct types.