This study provided the first analysis of the distribution of a CXCL14-like chemokine in the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) pituitary using immunohistochemical techniques. CXCL14-immnoreactive cells were observed in the rostral part of the pars distalis (RPD) and the pars intermedia (PI). The CXCL14-immunoreactive cells were found to correspond to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing cells in the RPD and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH)-producing cells in the PI. Therefore, the CXCL14 secreted from the αMSH-producing cells and ACTH-producing cells in the pituitary may participate in the modulation of insulin secretion, as well as energy metabolism, together with αMSH and/or ACTH via endocrine mechanisms.

本研究首次使用免疫组织化学技术分析了日本鳗 ( Anguilla japonica ) 垂体中CXCL14 样趋化因子的分布。在远端部 (RPD) 和中间部 (PI) 的嘴部观察到 CXCL14 免疫反应性细胞。发现 CXCL14 免疫反应细胞对应于 RPD 中的促肾上腺皮质激素 (ACTH) 产生细胞和 PI 中的 α-黑素细胞刺激素 (αMSH) 产生细胞。因此，垂体中αMSH产生细胞和ACTH产生细胞分泌的CXCL14可能通过内分泌机制与αMSH和/或ACTH一起参与胰岛素分泌的调节以及能量代谢。