Experimentally induced granule release in the endocrine cells of dog pyloric antrum

Summary The basal-granulated cells of the dog pyloric antrum were observed under the electron microscope.At least four types of cells were identified: D-like cells, G cells, third type cells, and EC cells. The cells reach regularly the mucosal surface with a cytoplasmic process provided with microvilli and occasionally with a single cilium.Thirty and forty-five minutes after administration of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid into the stomach by oral catheterization, an emiocytotic release of the basal granules occurs frequently in the D-like cells. The cells in control animals did not show this change.This result is the first evidence of the internal secretion of the gastro-enteric basal-granulated cells. The granule release in the D-like cells in response to the acidification of the mucosal surface indicates that this type of cell may produce a hormone inhibiting the acid secretion of the stomach, such as secretin.This paper is dedicated to Prof. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 65th birthday.