Oxyntic cell differentiation during physiological cell renewal in abomasal mucosa of adult cattle.

The origin and differentiation of the oxyntic cell lineage during physiological cell renewal was investigated by light and electron microscopy in the abomasal mucosa of adult cattle. The morphologically heterogeneous oxyntic cell population exhibits various developmental subtypes depending on the position within the oxyntic unit. Pre-oxyntic cells of the isthmus and neck represent the immature precursors. Though heterogeneous with respect to the degree of canalicular and tubulovesicular membrane development, they all contain secretory granules resembling those of either isthmus cells, immature surface mucous cells, neck cells or young chief cells. A secretory granule-free stem cell is not present in the bovine. Downward to the gland base genesis of canalicular as well as tubulovesicular membranes is gradually completed; thus pre-oxyntic cells give rise to mature oxyntic cells. Older degenerative oxyntic cells, primarily located within the gland bottom, are characterized by progressive involution of canalicular and tubulovesicular membranes. Towards the pit, differentiation of pre-oxyntic cells is associated with atypical and incomplete development of canaliculi and tubulovesicles. In consequence, these superficial oxyntic cells have a reduced secretory capacity from a morphological point of view.