Structural interactions between NOS-positive neurons and blood vessels in the hippocampus.
The anatomical relationship between nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-positive neurons and blood vessels was examined in the hippocampus of the rat. NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry was used to identify NOS-positive neurons by light-microscopy. A close association of somatic, dendritic and axonal processes of NOS-positive neurons with cerebral blood vessels was observed. These findings suggest the possibility of neurovascular signaling by local NOS-containing neurons, through direct vascular innervation by terminals generating nitric oxide, and paracrine signaling from closely apposed somatic and dendritic neuronal elements.
Schottler
F
F
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Collins
J L
JL
Fergus
A
A
Okonkwo
D
D
Kassell
N F
NF
Lee
K S
KS
D000818:Animals; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase