Immunohistochemical evidence for extrinsic and intrinsic opioid systems in the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion.
Immunohistochemical localization of the opioid peptides alpha-neo-endorphin (alpha-neo-END), dynorphin A (DYN) and leu-enkephalin (leu-ENK) in the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was studied following central denervation, peripheral axotomy, and after application of the depleting drug reserpine and of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. The paraganglionic cells of the SCG are shown to form an intrinsic opioid--(alpha-neo-END, DYN, leu-ENK)--immunoreactive system being not visibly responsive to the experimental procedures. Leu-ENK-immunoreactive fibres ascend in the preganglionic trunk and supply fibre baskets to defined clusters of postganglionic neurones. Principal ganglion cells of the SCG containing alpha-neo-END- and DYN-immunoreactivity project to extraganglionic targets via the postganglionic nerves. These findings are indicative of a sympathetic alpha-neo-END-ergic and DYN-ergic innervation of effector organs. They also point to a modulatory function of opioids on neuronal activity in a paravertebral ganglion.
D000818:Animals; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004399:Dynorphins / Q000032:analysis*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000032:analysis*; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000166:cytology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007106:Immune Sera; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis*
D004723:Endorphins; D007106:Immune Sera; D011498:Protein Precursors; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine; C025681:alpha-neoendorphin; D004399:Dynorphins