title: Neurotransmitters and peptides in the developing human facial nucleus.
abstract: The human facial nucleus can be sub-divided into five structurally discrete regions. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the neurons and nerve fibres of the human facial nucleus at 14 and 27 weeks of gestation and in the neonate. Whilst choline acetyltransferase-positive neurons were observed in the facial nucleus at all stages of development, dopamine beta-hydroxylase-positive neurons were only found in the neonate. In addition, afferent nerve fibres positive for choline acetyl-transferase, enkephalin and substance P were observed at all stages of development. In the younger specimens these fibres were evenly distributed; however, in the neonates the fibres were asymmetrically distributed as the different types became concentrated in the various structurally distinct regions of the facial nucleus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Yew
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000378:metabolism; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000196:embryology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004745:Enkephalins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D013373:Substance P; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase