Bidirectional interactions of the nerve terminals and immunocompetent cells in diabetic rats' small intestine

Aims: Increasing evidence indicates that the different neuropeptide-containing nerve elements are involved in the immune system and influence the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim was to investigate the morphological localization and distribution of the different immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers and immunocompetent cells in the small intestine and compare with data from streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: The different nerve elements were detected by ABC immunohistochemistry. Results: The IR nerve fibres were found in all layers but with different densities. These IR ne…