Simultaneous localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide and neurotensin in rat central amygdaloid nucleus.
The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neurotensin (NT)-like immunoreactivities (LI) was studied in rat central amygdaloid nucleus (ACe) with immunocytochemical double staining. A dense network of CGRP- and NT-immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers and some NT-positive neurons were found in the lateral and lateral capsular subnuclei. Light microscopically CGRP-immunoreactive nerve endings were in close contact to most of the NT-immunoreactive neurons. Under the electron microscope CGRP-positive terminals formed symmetric axo-somatic synapses with part of the NT-IR neurons. These results indicate that the NT- and CGRP-containing neuronal systems are in contact with each other in the ACe. Both peptides have marked effects on the circulatory system when administered intracerebrally. Thus the NT-IR neuronal system receiving synaptic input from CGRP-IR nerve terminals may mediate the cardiovascular effects of these two peptides.
Honkaniemi
J
J
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland.
Pelto-Huikko
M
M
Isola
J
J
Rechardt
L
L
D000679:Amygdala / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D009496:Neurotensin; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide