Immunohistochemical demonstration of neuron specific antigen, HPC-1 in the enteric nervous system of the guinea-pig distal colon.

The HPC-1 antigen is a newly identified neuron specific membrane protein in the central nervous system. The HPC-1 antigen was revealed similarity to epimorphin. The presence of HPC-1 antigen in the enteric nervous system of guinea-pig distal colon was immunohistochemically demonstrated using the antibody against the HPC-1. Immunohistochemical study clearly revealed the topography and structure of the enteric nervous system of the guinea-pig distal colon. HPC-1 was present only in the nervous system and entirely distributed. HPC-1 antigen is present at the surfaces of ganglion cells, but not in the cytoplasm.