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Endocrine cells in human Bartholin’s glands

An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis

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Virchows Archiv B

Summary

Endocrine cells were investigated in human Bartholin’s glands by use of histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural methods. Endocrine cells represent normal constituents of these glands, being mainly distributed throughout the transitional epithelium of the major excretory duct; however, single elements are dispersed among the acinar lobules. Serotonin-, calcitonin-, katacalcin-, bombesin-and α-hCG-immunoreactive cells were recognized, with serotonin-immunoreactive cells predominating. Co-expression of calcitonin, katacalcin or α-hCG with serotonin was observed in single endocrine cells. At the ultrastructural level, these cells are richly granulated and show typical neuroendocrine features. Bartholin’s glands display an endocrine profile quite similar to that of other cloacal-derived tissues.

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Fetissof, F., Arbeille, B., Bellet, D. et al. Endocrine cells in human Bartholin’s glands. Virchows Archiv B Cell Pathol 57, 117–121 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02899072

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02899072

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