Dopamine nerve fibres and related receptors in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT).
Age-related changes of the dopamine nerve fibres of bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) were investigated in male Wistar rats of 3 months (young), and 24 months (old/aged). Dopamine histofluorescence techniques have been used, associated with image analysis for the detection of dopamine nerve fibres. In young rats, white, fluorescent nerve fibres supply BALT. This tissue is innervated by a delicate network of nerve fibres rich in varicosities. In old rats these fluorescent nerve fibres are strongly reduced. Moreover, dopamine D1a and D1b receptors were stained using fluorescent monoclonal antibodies. The BALT of young rats possesses a higher number of D1a and D1b receptors, while, in the old rats, these receptors are strongly reduced. The possible significance of reduced dopamine neurotransmission in BALT of aged rats is discussed.
Cavallotti
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C
Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences (Section of Anatomy), University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. cavallotti@uniroma1.it
Artico
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M
Franchitto
S
S
Tranquilli Leali
F M
FM
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000166:cytology / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000294:innervation*; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1 / Q000378:metabolism; D050641:Receptors, Dopamine D5
C493607:Drd5 protein, rat; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1; C098593:dopamine D1A receptor; D050641:Receptors, Dopamine D5; D004298:Dopamine