Summary
Histochemical studies were made in the cat's carotid body using two fluorescence techniques: the formaldehyde condensation (HCOH) method and the trihydroxyindole (THI) method. A number of pharmacologic agents known to alter catecholamine metabolism or binding were used to evaluate their effect on the amines found in the glomus cells. After treatment with reserpine, both histochemical techniques showed a reduction and eventual disappearance of fluorescence from the glomus cells. Treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (iproniazid) or with dopamine beta hydroxylase inhibitor (disulfiran) enhanced the glomus cell fluorescence. The observed increase was greater with the THI than with the HCOH technique. A few yellow fluorescent cells were found following a combination of reserpine and iproniazid treatments. A reduction in fluorescence with both techniques was obtained following DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (MK-485). It is concluded that some of the glomus cells contain only dopamine while others contain norepinephrine or a combination of norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition the presence of DOPA in some cells following treatment with pharmacologic agents may account for some of the results. Finally, the few yellow fluorescent cells found probably contain 5-hydroxytryptamine.
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Supported by a grant from the Life Insurance Medical Research Fund, USPHS General Research Support Grant and USPHS Career Development Award (K3-GM-15, 457).
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Chiocchio, S.R., King, M.P. & Angelakos, E.T. Carotid body catecholamines. Histochemie 25, 52–59 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303945
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303945