Peptidergic (VIP) nerves in normal human pancreas and in pancreatitis: an immunohistochemical study.

MARONGIU, LUIGI;PERRA, MARIA TERESA;PINNA A. D.;SIRIGU F.;SIRIGU P.

1993-01-01

---

Abstract

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was demonstrated in the nerves of the human normal pancreas and in pancreatitis by light microscope immunohistochemical technique. In specimens of normal pancreas, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive neuronal cells were present in the autonomic ganglia. These ganglia were found to receive an abundant supply of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive fibre plexuses. Immunoreactive nerve fibres were seen to run in the stroma, in association with secretory acini, ducts and blood vessels. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive fibres were also seen close to the Langerhans' islets, but no vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity was observed in the endocrine cells. In specimens from patients affected by pancreatitis, even in lesioned regions, immunoreactive elements were extremely scarce.