Perinatal Development of Brunner’s Glands in the Rat: Morphometrical Study

Abstract

Perinatal changes of the Brunner’s glands in rats from fetal day 20 through neonatal day 3 were studied morphometrically and electron-microscopically. Percentage volume of secretory granules of the gland cells did not change from fetal day 20 through neonatal day 1 and increased significantly from neonatal days 1-2; this level was maintained through neonatal day 3. Electron-microscopically, the gland cells during the fetal days were rich in free ribosomes. The Golgi apparatus and rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were poorly developed during fetal days. After birth, however, the cells showed active formation of secretory granules, which was evidenced by well-developed Golgi apparatus, distended RER and accumulation of granules in the apical cytoplasm. Furthermore, light microscopy revealed that strongly PAS-positive material increased for the first time after birth, indicating remarkable formation of the secretory granules. Thus, the present study indicates that the cell of the Brunner’s glands become active in secretory granule formation just after birth by responding to ingested material following birth.

Quantitative Study of Brunner's Glands in the Human Duodenal Submucosa

“…BG secretions are alkaline and fluid, and respond to parasympathetic vagal stimuli (Moore et al, 2000). Their alkalinity helps neutralize the chymo acid that originates in the stomach, and also provides optimal conditions for enzyme action on pancreatic juices (Morikawa et al;Olsen et al, 1994). Some studies have demonstrated that somatostatin is able to inhibit BG secretions (Kirkegaard et al, 1984;Olsen et al).…”

“…Its excretory ducts penetrate the muscle mucosa and reach the base of the intestinal crypts, where they eliminate their secretion (even though they are able to eliminate their secretion through their own ducts, which reach the duodenal surface by going through its mucosa) (Morikawa et al, 1993). From this point, the secretion is discharged into the duodenal lumen.…”