[Noxious stimulation-induced morphological changes of nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons in the tongue of rats].
OBJECTIVE
To explore noxious stimulation-induced morphological changes of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) positive neurons in the tongue.


METHODS
The histochemical method of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-diaphorase activity was used.


RESULTS
NOS positive neuron bodies in the tongue were obviously enlarged, the staining intensity increased and nerve fibers became thicker after injury. At the body and tip of the tongue, near the body cells of NOS positive neurons deeply stained fine granular particles were seen, and structures of plum blossom form were seen along the route of the nerve fiber extending all the way to the terminal. NOS positive nerve fibers in the striated muscles and around the gland in the tongue root became thicker, and bead structures were seen in some of the fibers.


CONCLUSIONS
NOS positive neurons of the tongue, when noxiously stimulated, are inflicted with pathological changes, which suggest that nitric oxide might play a role in the transmission and control of the message related to pathological lesions.
Shao
J
J
Department of Oral Histopathology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China.
Xin
G
G
Yang
H
H
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014059:Tongue / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid