DISTRIBUTION OF NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHATE DIAPHORASE POSITIVE MAST CELLS IN THE NORMAL PORCINE GALL BLADDER

The aim of the current study was to determine the localisation and number of NADPH-d mast cells in the normal domestic pig gall bladder. The gall bladders of 6 male and 6 female pigs were examined by using light microscopic enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Enzymohistochemistry was performed to display NADPH diaphorase activity. Then, the avidin-biotin-peroxi­dase complex technique for detection of mast cell tryptase expression was performed in order to confirm that NADPH-d positive cells, observed in the studied organ, are actually mast cells. Light microscopy showed strong to medium NADPH-d reactivity in the mast cells granules. Mast cells number was the highest in the propria of gall bladder fundus, body and neck as well as in the same layer of the cystic duct Ductus cysticus, followed by fibromuscular layer. The smallest density of mast cells was observed in the subserosal layer. However, statistically significant difference between the number of these cells in the muscular layer and the tela subserosa of gall bladder fundus was not detected. The density and localisation of observed tryptase positive mast cells were the same. In conclusion, the results of this study gave us a reason to presume that NADPH-d positive cells observed in the wall of porcine gall bladder and its excretory duct possess metabolic pathway for nitric oxide synthesis. Based on obtained data it is suggested that NADPH-d positive mast cells are most probably involved in the regulation of the function of epithelium, smooth muscle layer and blood vessels of the organ.