Enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in ganglionic cells in the larynx and superior cervical ganglion of the rat.
The distribution of enkephalin-like immunoreactivity (ENK-LI) in the larynx, the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and the nodose ganglion of adult rats was examined in the present study. A substantial number of the local acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive, presumably parasympathetic, ganglionic cells in the larynx displayed ENK-LI. These cells also exhibited neuropeptide Y (NPY)- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-LI. Varicose nerve fibers showing ENK-LI were observed close to the acini and ducts of the glands, in the perichondrium and in the lamina propria. The varicosities exhibiting ENK-LI frequently displayed NPY- and VIP-LI. The ENK-LI was detected in a subpopulation of AChE-positive nerve fibers in the laryngeal tissue. In the SCG, only a small number of the ganglionic cells displayed ENK-LI. These cells, in contrast to other ganglionic cells of the SCG, did not show NPY-LI. None of the ganglionic cells of the nodose ganglion exhibited ENK-LI. Sympathectomy and vagotomy affected neither the number nor the distribution of fibers showing ENK-LI in the larynx. In conclusion, ENK appears to be present together with NPY and VIP in the parasympathetic innervation of the larynx and in a very limited number of the ganglionic cells of a sympathetic ganglion, the SCG, of the adult rat.
Department of Histology and Cell Biology, University of Umeå, Sweden.
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Domeij
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Dahlqvist
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Forsgren
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005724:Ganglia / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007823:Laryngeal Nerves / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013562:Sympathectomy; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014628:Vagotomy; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000276:immunology
D004745:Enkephalins; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase