[Histochemical Characteristics of the Epitheliocytes of the Avian Glandular Stomach]

A complex histochemical investigation has been undertaken to study the epithelial lining of the glandular stomach in birds having various types of nutrition. The protective barrier of the avian stomach has been found to be characterized as a resistant (mucosal) barrier, with neutral glycoproteins, sialo- and sulphoglycoproteins as its components. Differences in histochemical properties of the epitheliocyte secretion have been described in birds with different types of nutrition. They are connected with various correlation of carbohydrates and proteins in the composition of the micromolecular glycoprotein complex. The data obtained are compared with those concerning the histochemical properties of the stomach in amphibia and reptiles which have the mucous membrane structure similar to that in the avian stomach.