title: Innervation of periosteum and bone by sympathetic vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing nerve fibers.
abstract: Neural control of bone metabolism and growth has been suggested, although the identity of participating neurons and neurotransmitters effecting this control has not been established. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a system of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers that innervate periosteum and bone in several mammalian species. Thoracic sympathetic chain ganglionectomy resulted in an ipsilateral loss of VIP-immunoreactive fibers in the periosteum of ribs, whereas dorsal root ganglionectomy had no effect. Injection of fast blue into rib periosteum labeled a population of VIP-immunoreactive sympathetic postganglionic neurons. Thus, postganglionic sympathetic neurons may provide an important means by which VIP regulates bone mineralization.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004285:Dogs; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D010521:Periosteum / Q000502:physiology*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013552:Swine; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide