Immunohistochemical localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide and cotransmitters in a subpopulation of post-ganglionic neurons in the porcine inferior mesenteric ganglion.
Applying double-fluorescence immunohistochemistry, adrenergic and non-adrenergic postganglionic sympathetic neurons, in the porcine inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) are subdivided according to size and cotransmitter content. Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive (IR) neurons are demonstrated to belong to the non-adrenergic, i.e. tyrosine hydroxylase- and DOPAmine-beta-hydroxylase-(D beta H)-negative subpopulation of postganglionic perikarya. Virtually all of the CGRP-IR postganglionic neurons exhibit colocalization with somatostatin (SOM), and, some of them with neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY). Additionally, NPY-, SOM-, and NPY/SOM-IR subpopulations of adrenergic and non-adrenergic neurons are observed. CGRP-immunoreactivity is seen in dense networks of intraganglionic varicose nerve fibres, adjacent to the TH- and SOM-IR neurons. NPY-IR perikarya are sparsely supplied by CGRP-IR fibres. SOM- and NPY-IR nerve fibres also exist in the inferior mesenteric ganglion. The functional relevance of CGRP-IR postganglionic neurons, as well as target organs of these neurons remain to be elucidated.
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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Majewski
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Heym
D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000032:analysis*; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000294:innervation; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis*; D013552:Swine; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000032:analysis*
D009479:Neuropeptides; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide