Neuropeptide FF is colocalized with catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract.
Neuropeptide FF (NFF) is an amidated octapeptide of bovine origin. It has some antiopioid-like effects and it elevates blood pressure when injected intravenously in rats. NFF-immunoreactive nerve cells and terminals are localized in large numbers in the dorsomedial caudal brainstem which is a region involved in central regulation of blood pressure. We compared the localization of NFF-immunoreactive neurons with medullary catecholamine-synthesizing neurons by using immunohistochemical double-labeling and light microscopic mirror methods. NFF and tyrosine hydroxylase coexisted in a minor portion of the NFF neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract and occasional cell bodies were stained with both NFF and PNMT (phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase) antisera. The results have anatomical correlation with previous pharmacological reports, suggesting that NFF is present in neuronal systems involved in cardiovascular reflex arcs.
Kivipelto
L
L
Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Aarnisalo
A
A
Panula
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D019835:FMRFamide; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis*; D009842:Oligopeptides; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000032:analysis*
D002395:Catecholamines; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D009842:Oligopeptides; D019835:FMRFamide; C053651:phenylalanyl-leucyl-phenylalanyl-glutaminyl-prolyl-glutaminyl-arginyl-phenylalaninamide; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase