title: The coexistence and release of bovine pancreatic polypeptide-like immunoreactivity from noradrenergic superior cervical ganglia neurons.
abstract: The coexistence of bovine pancreatic polypeptide-like (BPP) immunoreactivity within the cell bodies and axons of the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) was studied. Adjacent sections stained by the indirect immunofluorescence technique for either BPP or dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) revealed that virtually all (90-95%) SCG cells contained DBH and a subpopulation (30-50%) also contained BPP. Ligation of the pre- and postganglionic nerves of the SCG demonstrated BPP-positive fibers emanating from the SCG via both axonal trunks. BPP-containing fibers were also observed entering the SCG via the preganglionic nerve. The peptide was co-released with catecholamine by electrical stimulation of the preganglionic cervical sympathetic nerve trunk, but was not effected by reserpine. The extensive distribution and unique coexistence of a PP-like peptide with peripheral sympathetic nerves suggests a neuromodulatory role in autonomic functions.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D010191:Pancreatic Polypeptide / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D010191:Pancreatic Polypeptide; D009638:Norepinephrine