title: [Distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptidergic terminals in rat nasal mucosa].
abstract: The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptidergic (CGRP) terminals in rat nasal mucosa was observed with immunocytochemistry technique (ABC method). The results showed that CGRP-ergic terminals had extensive localizations along the walls of arterioles and venules, around the acini of glands and between the epithelial cells, with the walls of arterioles having highiest densities of such terminals. The typical morphology of CGRP-ergic terminals was one of multistage branched fibers in the form of rosary varicosities. CGRP immunoreactive neurons were also present in trigeminal ganglion (TG). Based on our observations, it is suggested that CGRP-ergic terminals in rat nasal mucosa are the peripheral fibers originating from the ganglion cells in TG. These fibers may be involved in the perception of local mucosal stimuli and propagation of neural impulses to the central terminals and will then release CGRP in the brain stem. There is also possibility that CGRP may be peripherally released in nasal mucosa and exerts influences on mucosal functions.
authors.affiliation: Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Medical University, Changsha.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xiao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism*; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide