Immunohistochemical characterization of NPY and substance P containing nerve terminals in aged and diabetic human sympathetic ganglia.
To compare the neuropeptide specificity of dystrophic axon formation in aging versus diabetic human sympathetic ganglia we have immunohistochemically characterized neuropeptide Y (NPY) and substance P containing intraganglionic nerve terminals. Prevertebral superior mesenteric but not paravertebral superior cervical ganglia developed markedly swollen NPY containing axonal termini with both aging and diabetes. Substance P containing nerve terminals failed to develop dystrophic changes. Selective loss of classes of nerve terminals may result in discrete functional sequellae.
Schmidt
R E
RE
Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110.
Dorsey
D A
DA
Roth
K A
KA
D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000473:pathology*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000473:pathology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000473:pathology; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000032:analysis*; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis*
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D013373:Substance P