Adrenergic and cholinergic innervation of the mammary gland in the pig.
Adrenergic and acetylcholinesterase-positive (AChE-positive) innervation of the mammary gland in the sexually immature and mature pigs was studied using histochemical methods. Upon examining the adrenergic and cholinergic innervation, the adrenergic innervation was found to be much more developed. The majority of both sub-populations of the nerve fibres studied was localized in the subcutaneous tissue of the mammary gland. Adrenergic and AChE-positive nerve fibres also supplied structures of the nipple (subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, smooth muscles fibres) and glandular tissue (blood vessels, lactiferous ducts). The glandular tissue contained the smallest number of adrenergic and AChE-positive nerve fibres. No distinct differences were observed in the adrenergic and AChE-positive innervation of the porcine mammary gland between the juvenile and non-pregnant adult animals.
Franke-Radowiecka
A
A
Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warmia and Masuria University in Olsztyn, Poland. ameliaf@moskit.uwm.edu.pl
Wasowicz
K
K
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000032:analysis; D000320:Adrenergic Fibers / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D002799:Cholinergic Fibers / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000294:innervation*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000502:physiology; D013552:Swine / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase