Transmission Electronmicroscopic Studies on the cell types in the Gastric Glands of Albino Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

The secretory epithelium of the proper gastric glands in the stomach of Albino rat composed of four distinct cell types structurally and functionally: parietal cells, chief cells, mucous cells and endocrine cells. The parietal cells had a distinct nucleus with many nuclear pores. They had an elaborate system of intracellular canaliculi closely associated with numerous mitochondria and abundance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Small Golgi complexes were also observed. Chief cells had abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum than any other cell types in the gastric mucosa. The nucleus was large and basally located with a large nucleolus. Prominent Golgi complexe and mitochondria were observed. The apical areas of surface mucous cells showed numerous mucous granules which were spherical or oval in outline. The nucleus was elongated and situated at the basal region. The Golgi complex was situated in the supra nuclear region. Endocrine cells contained numerous small membrane bounded granules, mostly within the basal cytoplasm and a small amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum parallel to the nuclear surface. Golgi complexes were small and mitochondria were few. The nucleus was oval with scanty chromatin mainly concentrated in the periphery. A large centrally located nucleolus was observed.