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ABSTRACT: A tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell mass is found in the caudal portion of the dorsal nerve ganglion of the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. The ganglion appears as a flat oval structure in the horizontal plane, where the major axis runs latero-medially, and the minor axis rostro-caudally in the ventral view. A communicating branch to the sympathetic chain diverges from the top of each tubercle which lies on the caudo-lateral side of the ganglion. A tyrosine hydroxylase- immunoreactive cell mass is located in this tubercle. This cell mass exists in both sexes. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells, that contain Nissl bodies in cytoplasm and are enveloped by the satellite cells, are multipolar and their neural processes are distributed in a distal direction into the spinal nerve. The range of distribution of the synapsin I-immunoreactive structures is limited to the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell mass. The chelonian dorsal spinal nerve ganglia are a conglomerate of the spinal nerve ganglion proper and the sympathetic ganglion.
Brain Behavior and Evolution 06/2009; 73(3):165-73. · 2.21 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The sympathetic preganglionic cell pool in Xenopus laevis can be divided into four parts, i.e., the intercalated nucleus (IC) and the intermediolateral nucleus (IML) located respectively at the medial and the lateral borders of the lateral field, the lateral funiculus, and the ventral field within the thoracolumbar spinal segments. We compared the location of the preganglionic cells labeled following tracer application to the paravertebral sympathetic chain with those labeled following application to the celiac ganglion (CG), the adrenal gland (AG), and the splanchnic nerves (SNs) and found that their relative contribution differs depending on the sites. In tracer application to the paravertebral chain ganglia and the sympathetic trunk, 31.4-41.9% and 43.9-58.4% of labeled cells were detected respectively in the IC and in the IML, whereas application to the CG, AG, and on all the SNs, revealed that more than 84% of labeled cells were found in the IML and in the lateral funiculus with less than 8.6% in the IC. The contribution of the ventral field cells was less than 7.5% in all experiments. This type of topographic cytoarchitecture is a character shared with the mammalian preganglionic cell pool, but what distinguishes it from that of mammals is its systematic form throughout the entire longitudinal extent of the pool. In Xenopus, differences of mean soma areas and dendritic projections of labeled cells also suggest that the cell pools are distinguished not only by their location and axonal projections, but also by the morphology of their cells.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 02/2009; 513(3):292-314. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) lymphocytes are present close to the nerve fibers in the lamina propria of the small intestine, and the administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) increases the number of these cells and IgA secretion to the lumen. In the present study, we demonstrated that the nerve fibers immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were close to the IgA lymphocytes in the mouse ileum lamina propria. Three hours after intraperitoneal administration of LPSs, IgA lymphocytes close to VIP nerve fibers, those close to basement membrane, and those close to both VIP nerve fibers and basement membrane were increased in number. Further, all IgA lymphocytes seen in the ileum lamina propria expressed the receptors for VIP, VIPR1, and VIPR2. Electron microscopy revealed that varicosities were in close apposition to the lymphocyte plasma membrane. The present study suggests that VIP/NPY/CGRP neurons in the submucosal plexus have a close anatomical relationship to IgA lymphocytes, playing a role in the secretion of IgA and intestinal fluid in response to stimulation by lipopolysaccharides, pathogens, or toxins.
Brain Behavior and Immunity 03/2008; 22(2):158-66. · 4.72 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Following spinal transection, descending spinal projections from goldfish brainstem neurons spontaneously regenerate beyond the lesion site. The nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (nFLM), which has a critical role in swimming, also sends regenerated axons over a long distance to the ipsilateral spinal cord. To examine whether regenerated axons re-innervate the appropriate targets, we injected rhodamine dextran amine (RDA) into the nFLM of spinally transected goldfish and examined anterogradely labeled axons in the spinal cord. In intact controls, there were many RDA-labeled boutons or varicosities in the spinal cord in close apposition to both neurons positive for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and those negative for CGRP. This suggests that the nFLM neurons project axons directly to the motoneurons and interneurons in the spinal cord. Four days after hemisection 1 mm caudal to the rostral end of the spinal cord, the number of RDA-labeled boutons in close apposition to the spinal neurons was significantly decreased on the side ipsilateral to the injection. Six to twelve weeks after spinal hemisection, regenerated axons ran through the repaired lesion site, and the number of RDA-labeled boutons or varicosities in close apposition to the ipsilateral spinal neurons had returned to the control level. These findings suggest that the midbrain-spinal pathway, critical for locomotion in fish, spontaneously regenerates beyond the lesion site to re-innervate the appropriately innervated targets after spinal lesion.
Brain Research 07/2007; 1155:17-23. · 2.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In the past the microkinetics of blood flow in the infrared pit organs of pit vipers has been studied with Doppler flowmetry using various infrared stimuli such as a human hand or soldering iron at various distances, lasers of various wavelengths, etc. Quick-acting variations in blood flow were recorded, and interpreted as a cooling mechanism for avoiding afterimage in the infrared receptors. However, the Doppler measurements provided only the summation of blood flow in a number of vessels covered by the sensing probe, but did not give data on flow in individual vessels.
In the present work the authors introduced into the bloodstream of Gloydius and Trimeresurus pit vipers fluorescent microspheres labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) contained in a solution of FITC-dextran in physiological saline. They observed the passage of the microspheres through individual pit organ vessels with a fluorescent microscope to which was attached a high-speed video camera and image intensifier. Output of the camera was recorded before, during, and after stimulus with a 810-nm diode laser. Recording was done at 250 frames/s on high-speed video apparatus and downloaded to a hard disk. Disk files were loaded into proprietary software and particles were tracked and average velocities calculated. The data were then tested for significance by ANOVA with post hoc tests.
A significant (p<.05) increase in blood velocity was found at the focal point of the stimulus laser, but not anywhere removed from this point. Proximal severing of the pit sensory nerves caused degeneration of the pit receptor terminals and abolished stimulus-induced blood flow changes, but did not affect normal blood flow.
The authors conclude that the receptors themselves are directly and locally controlling the smooth muscle elements of the blood vessels, in response to heating of the receptors by infrared radiation. They speculate that the heavy vascularization constitutes a cooling system for the radiation-encoding receptors, and further that the agent of control may be a volatile neuromediator such as nitric oxide.
Microcirculation 03/2007; 14(2):99-110. · 2.57 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The visceral reflexes of the pelvic organs are mediated by connections between primary afferents innervating the pelvic organs and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral column of the sacral spinal cord. The present immunohistochemical study revealed many varicosities expressing transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) that were closely apposed to the preganglionic neuronal perikarya at embryonic day 16 in mice. Many, but not all, varicosities expressing TRPV1 in the intermediolateral column were also immunopositive for calcitonin gene-related peptide. In contrast, no nerve fibers expressing TRPV1 projected to the sympathetic preganglionic cell column in the lumbar spinal cord in prenatal stages. The results of the present study raised the possibility that the primary afferents transmit signals elicited by the activation of TRPV1 receptors to the sacral parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. Thus, the functional circuit for pelvic spinal reflexes, such as micturition induced by urine influx, might develop in the prenatal stages in mice.
Neuroscience Letters 11/2006; 407(3):230-3. · 2.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We examined transient receptor potential (TRP) V1 and TRPV2 expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive (+) primary sensory neurons projecting to the skin and skeletal muscles of the rat dorsum. Among the dorsal root ganglia at the levels from C2 to Th1, 34.9% of neurons projecting to the skin were positive for CGRP, and 32.6% or 21.6% of neurons projecting to the trapezius muscle or the longissimus muscle were positive for CGRP. Of the small CGRP+ neurons projecting to the skin, 53.5% were positive for TRPV1, 11.6% were positive for TRPV2. Of the small CGRP+ neurons projecting to the trapezius or the longissimus, 53.1 or 53.2% were positive for TRPV1, 8.8 or 8.3% were positive for TRPV2, respectively. In the periphery, 29.3% of CGRP+ nerve fibers were positive for TRPV1 in the skin, whereas 65.0 or 59.8% were positive in the trapezius or the longissimus. Therefore, the present study showed that the percentage of CGRP+ neurons projecting to the trapezius is higher than that to the longissimus, and that the co-localization percentage of CGRP and TRPV1 on the sensory nerves was also higher in the trapezius than in the longissimus and the skin.
Histochemie 10/2006; 126(3):343-52. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the relation between the enteric nervous system and immunocytes, fecal immunoglobulin (Ig) A and the distribution of IgA-positive cells close to nerve fibers in the lamina propria around the crypts of the small intestine were examined after intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In mice, IgA in the feces 1 h (LPS1) and 6 h (LPS6) after LPS injection increased compared to that in the control group. In the ileum lamina propria of the LPS1 group, the number of IgA-positive cells close to the epithelial basement membrane was increased. In the LPS6 group, on the other hand, there was a significant increase in the number of IgA-positive cells close to both the basement membrane and the nerve fibers. Our data suggest that LPS induced an increase in the number of IgA-positive cells migrating to the nerve fibers, and that migration to the nerve fibers is as important as migration to the basement membrane for IgA production.
Neuroscience Letters 07/2005; 381(3):242-6. · 2.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: For the purposes of comparative anatomy, we used tracer techniques and immunohistochemistry to study the facial nerve in the pit viper Gloydius brevicaudus and obtained much new data applicable to the function of this nerve in snakes and, in particular, pit vipers. We were able to identify the superior salivatory nucleus in these snakes. Preganglionic fibers from this nucleus pass along the palatine nerve and an anterior communicating branch to reach the pterygopalatine ganglion attached to the deep branch of the trigeminal maxillary nerve. The palatine nerve also contains general somatic afferents and a very few special visceral afferents from some taste buds on the palate. In the mandibular direction, preganglionic fibers from the superior salivatory nucleus join special visceral efferents from the motor nucleus in the hyomandibular nerve, from which they pass into the chorda tympani to course together for a short distance. The special visceral efferents branch off outside the cranium, and the preganglionic fibers continue on to join the trigeminal mandibular nerve to project to small ganglia within the mandible. The chorda tympani also contains general somatic afferents from the mandibular region but no special visceral afferents. This is the first time that the superior salivatory nucleus and its adjuncts have been identified in a snake. The chorda tympani of these snakes is also distinguished from the mammalian condition by lacking any special visceral afferents and by branching outside the cranium.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 06/2004; 472(3):345-57. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To examine the prenatal development of spinal visceral reflexes, primary sensory nerve fibers immunoreactive for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were examined in the spinal cord, particularly in the autonomic preganglionic nuclei of mouse embryos. On embryonic day 16 (E16), CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were first observed in the sacral intermediolateral nucleus (IML) of the parasympathetic division as well as in the lumbar central autonomic nucleus (CA) of the sympathetic division, where they appeared in proximity to preganglionic neuronal perikarya immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase or nitric oxide synthase. Most of the CGRP-immunoreactive varicosities were negative for substance P. Substance P-immunoreactive varicosities were scattered in these nuclei, but no appositions were seen on the preganglionic neuronal perikarya. On E18, CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were more abundant in the sacral IML and the lumbar CA. Co-expression of substance P and CGRP was frequently observed in the varicosities very close to the preganglionic neuronal perikarya on E18. CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were also observed in the lumbar IML on E18, although significantly fewer were found in this nucleus compared with the sacral IML. In contrast to the upper lumbar level, no fibers immunoreactive for CGRP were observed in the IML at the thoracic level. These results suggest that peptidergic primary sensory fibers grow to project to the selective targets of autonomic preganglionic neurons during the embryonic period. The potential direct connections between the peptidergic primary sensory fibers and preganglionic neurons innervating the pelvic viscera might provide a circuit for spinal visceral reflexes active in embryos.
Developmental Brain Research 09/2003; 144(1):107-19. · 1.78 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Boid snakes have infrared sensing pits that resemble crotaline pits in electrophysiological function and ultrastructure, but differ in gross morphology, number, and location: boids have three or more simple pits in the labial scales vs a single facial pair with more complex morphology in the crotalines. We studied the morphology of the capillary bed and the microkinetics of blood flow in a boid snake, the ball python, Python regius, and compared them with the already known condition in crotalines. We used a Doppler blood flow recorder in conjunction with an electrocardiograph to measure blood flow and heartbeat, and resin casts, transmission electron microscopy, and laser confocal microscopy to study capillary morphology. Blood flow in response to infrared stimulus was virtually identical in the two taxa, but the morphology of the capillary bed differed drastically. In the ball python pits, the capillary bed consisted of a forest of vertically oriented loops with a characteristic dome at the top in contact with the receptor layer of the fundus. Immunohistochemical staining showed pericytes constricting the capillaries and domes with smooth muscle alpha-actin-labeled processes. Since latency of response was as short as 1 ms, the capillaries were apparently responding under local control to provide both nutrition and cooling to the heat-sensitive receptors. We concluded that mitochondria-filled receptors provided with a swiftly responding cooling system were nature's most efficient way of attaining infrared imaging.
Microvascular Research 06/2003; 65(3):179-85. · 2.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The central and peripheral organization of thoracic visceral and somatic nervous elements was studied by applying dextran amines to the proximal cut ends of the thoracic splanchnic and somatic nerves in Xenopus laevis. Many labeled dorsal root ganglion cells of visceral afferents, and all somatic afferents, were located in a single ganglion of one spinal segment, and the two types of cells were distributed topographically within the ganglion. The labeled sympathetic preganglionic neurons were located predominantly in the same area of the thoracic spinal gray as in other frogs and in mammals. The labeled visceral afferents projected to Lissauer's tract and the dorsal funiculus. The visceral fibers of the tract ascended to the level of the subcerebellar area, supplying collateral branches to the lateral one-third of the dorsal horn and to the area of brainstem nuclei, including lateral cervical and descending trigeminal nucleus, and descended to the filum terminale. The visceral fibers of the dorsal funiculus were distributed to the dorsal column nucleus and the solitary tract. A similar longitudinal projection was also seen in the somatic afferents. The dual central pathway of thoracic primary afferents in the anuran spinal cord is a property held in common with mammals, but the widespread rostrocaudal projection through Lissauer's tract may be a characteristic of the anuran central nervous system. In frogs, the direct transmission of primary afferent information to an extremely wide area of the central nervous system may be important for prompt assessment of environmental factors and control of body functions.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 03/2003; 456(4):321-37. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We compared the distribution of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) fibers of the superficial muscle layer (trapezius muscle), median muscle layer (rhomboideus muscle), and deep muscle layer (longissimus and spinalis muscles) of the dorsum of the rat. SP- and CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were seen along the walls of various types of blood vessels and within nerve bundles in skeletal muscles of all layers. Coexistence of SP and CGRP was evident in nerve fibers along the blood vessel walls. The total number of CGRP varicosities per millimeter square of muscle surface area was evaluated quantitatively, and CGRP varicosities were found to be significantly more numerous in the superficial muscle layer than in the deeper ones. After capsaicin treatment, most of the SP and CGRP fibers along the blood vessel walls were eliminated. These results suggest that sensory nerve fibers containing SP and CGRP are distributed more abundantly in the superficial muscle layer than in the deeper ones and that they might be involved in the regulation of local blood flow. The finding of SP- and CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers along the blood vessel walls connecting the trapezius muscle and the hypodermis raises the possibility that sensory stimuli to the skin affect the local blood flow of superficial muscle through collaterals of cutaneous fibers.
Brain Research Bulletin 09/2002; 58(4):439-46. · 2.82 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We used transmission electron microscopic montages to examine the composition of nerve bundles serving the infrared pit organs of two species of crotaline snakes, Agkistrodon blomhoffii and A. brevicaudus. In the three main bundles, the myelinated fibers totaled 2,200-3,700, and unmyelinated fibers 2,400. We also discovered for the first time two accessory bundles composed almost entirely of unmyelinated fibers running alongside the main bundles, containing an average total of 3,300 unmyelinated fibers vs. an average of 10 myelinated fibers. Thus, the average total of unmyelinated fibers was nearly twice that of myelinated fibers. To study the nature of the unmyelinated fibers, we did double staining immunohistochemistry with antibodies for substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in combination with and without capsaicin pretreatment. SP and VIP immunoreactive varicose fibers ran straight toward the center of the pit membrane in parallel with arterioles and venules, and also formed a dense network around the periphery of the membrane. There were three types of fibers: fibers containing only SP, fibers containing only VIP, and fibers containing both peptides. SP-only fibers were distributed singly throughout the pit membrane and in small bundles around the periphery. SP+VIP fibers were distributed sparsely in the pit membrane and around its periphery. VIP-only fibers were distributed throughout the pit membrane and were of smaller diameter than SP and SP+VIP fibers. After treatment with capsaicin, most of the three types of varicose fibers disappeared from the central part of the pit membrane, but those around the periphery remained unaffected. The capsaicin-sensitive fibers may be unmyelinated sensory types, and the unaffected ones may be autonomic nerve fibers.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 09/2002; 449(4):319-29. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The present study showed neurons immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the cranial sympathetic ganglia lying close to the trigeminal-facial nerve complex of the filefish. In these ganglia, less than 1% of ganglion cells were positive for choline acetyltransferase. Choline acetyltransferase-positive neurons were significantly larger than the randomly sampled neurons in this ganglion. The majority of choline acetyltransferase-positive neurons were negative for tyrosine hydroxylase, but many of them were positive for galanin (GAL). Some neurons were positive for both choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase, but these neurons were rarely immunoreactive for dopamine beta hydroxylase, suggesting that they are not adrenergic. In the cranial sympathetic ganglia and the celiac ganglia, many nerve fibers immunoreactive for galanin were seen, and varicose terminals were in contact selectively with neurons negative for both choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase, but not with those positive for choline acetyltransferase or tyrosine hydroxylase. Nerve fibers immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase were found to be present in contact with the deep layer of chromatophores, which was observed only in the labial region. These results suggest that cholinergic postganglionic neurons are present in the filefish cranial sympathetic ganglia, and that they also contain galanin. As few cholinergic sympathetic neurons express tyrosine hydroxylase and none express dopamine beta hydroxylase, they are unlikely to synthesize noradrenaline or adrenaline.
Autonomic Neuroscience 08/2002; 99(1):31-9. · 1.86 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In an immunohistochemical study, the vagal motor nucleus of a teleost, the filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer, could be divided into a rostral part and a caudal part, and the former into a dorsolateral group and a ventromedial group. The dorsolateral group consisted of neurons immunoreactive for calcitonin gene-related peptide, whereas the ventrolateral-caudal group was negative for calcitonin gene-related peptide. The latter group was retrogradely labeled after dextran amine injection to the visceral ramus of the vagus nerve, suggesting that it is a general visceral efferent column, made up of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, whereas the dorsolateral rostral group is a special visceral efferent column. In the general visceral efferent column, a dense concentration of nerve fibers immunoreactive for serotonin, tyrosine hydroxylase, cholecystokinin-8, and substance P, and a small number of fibers immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y was observed. Perikarya in contact with varicose terminals immunoreactive for these substances were frequently seen. In contrast, in the special visceral efferent column, only a moderate concentration of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerve fibers and a sparse distribution of fibers immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase were observed. Perikarya in contact with varicose terminals immunoreactive for these substances were rare. These results suggest that the vagal parasympathetic preganglionic neurons might receive multiple inputs of monoaminergic and peptidergic fibers involved in the regulation of the visceral organs. On the other hand, monoaminergic and peptidergic afferent fibers might be of much less significance in the activity of the special visceral efferent component of the vagus nerve.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 07/2002; 447(4):351-65. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Nerve fibers immunoreactive for enzymes synthesizing catecholamines were examined in the central autonomic nucleus, a column of sympathetic preganglionic neurons, in the filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer. Varicose nerve fibers immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase were densely distributed in the rostral part, sometimes in contact with perikarya but were sparse in the caudal part of this nucleus. Fluorescent double labeling distinguished noradrenergic nerve fibers immunoreactive for both tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta hydroxylase, and dopaminergic fibers immunoreactive only for tyrosine hydroxylase. In the brainstem, catecholaminergic neurons were observed in the locus coeruleus, the caudal dorsomedial reticular zone of the medulla, and the area postrema. Double labeling of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta hydroxylase showed that the neurons in the locus coeruleus were all noradrenergic, and those in the caudal dorsomedial medulla were mostly noradrenergic, whereas the area postrema contained both noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons. No catecholaminergic neurons were found in the ventral region of the brainstem. After application of DiI to the central autonomic nucleus, retrogradely labeled neurons were seen in the caudal dorsomedial medulla but not in the locus coeruleus or the area postrema. These findings suggest that the sympathetic preganglionic neurons of the filefish may receive noradrenergic axonal projections from neurons in the caudal dorsomedial medulla. In the light of previous studies, inputs of these catecholaminergic fibers to the central autonomic nucleus may be involved in regulation of sympathetic activity of peripheral organs, together with serotoninergic and peptidergic inputs to this nucleus.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 02/2002; 442(3):204-16. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Immunoreactivity for substance P and cholecystokinin-8 was examined in the nerve fibers in the central autonomic nucleus, a cell column for sympathetic preganglionic neurons, in the filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer. Substance P-immunoreactive fibers were distributed throughout the entire rostrocaudal extent, but were more abundant in the caudal part of the column, where substance P-immunoreactive varicosities sometimes made contacts with the sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Cholecystokinin-8-immunoreactive fibers were found almost entirely in the rostral part of the column, where a dense network of varicosities was in close apposition to a considerable number of the sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Double labeling immunohistochemistry showed that substance P fibers and cholecystokin-8 fibers were entirely different, and distinct from serotonin-immunoreactive fibers. By using immunoelectron microscopy, synaptic specialization was sometimes observed between the dendrites of preganglionic neurons and varicosities immunoreactive for substance P and cholecystokinin-8. Substance P- and cholecystokinin-8 fibers were seen from the descending trigeminal tract, through the dorsolateral funiculus and the ventral portion of the dorsal horn, to the central autonomic nucleus. After colchicine treatment, substance P-immunoreactive perikarya were found in the cranial and spinal sensory ganglia. These results suggest that the sympathetic preganglionic neurons of the filefish receive innervation by substance P fibers and cholecystokinin fibers, and that the former might be of primary sensory origin. Topographical distribution of cholecystokinin-8-immunoreactive terminals in the central autonomic nucleus along the rostrocaudal extent might underlie the differential regulation of sympathetic activity via a distinct population of sympathetic preganglionic neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 428:174–189, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology 12/2000; 428(1):174 - 189. · 3.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The infrared sensory membranes of pit organs of pit vipers have an extremely rich capillary vasculature that forms many vascular loops, each serving a small number of infrared nerve terminals. We clarified the ultrastructure of capillary pericytes in the pit membranes by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and examined the immunoreactivity in their cytoplasm to two contractile proteins: smooth muscle α-actin (SM α-actin) and desmin. The capillary pericytes had two major cytoplasmic processes: thickened primary processes that radiate to embrace the endothelial tube and flattened secondary processes that are distributed widely on the endothelium. Coexpression of SM α-actin and desmin was observed in the pericytes of entire capillary segments, and SM α-actin was characterized by prominent filament bundles directed mainly at right angles to the capillary long axis. This expression pattern was different from that of capillary pericytes of the scales, where SM α-actin was expressed diffusely in the cytoplasm. In a series of electron microscopic sections, we often observed the pericyte processes depressing the endothelial wall. We also observed a close relationship of the pericytes with inter-endothelial cell junctions, and pericyte processes connected with the endothelial cells via gap junctions.From these findings, we surmised that capillary pericytes in the pit membrane have a close functional relationship with the endothelium, and through their contractile and relaxing activity regulate capillary bloodflow to stabilize production of infrared nerve impulses. Anat Rec 260:299–307, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Anatomical Record 10/2000; 260(3):299 - 307.
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ABSTRACT: To examine the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the sensory system of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves of teleosts, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd) activity and immunoreactivity for NOS were examined in the puffer fish Takifugu niphobles. The nitrergic sensory neurons were located in the ganglia of both the glossopharyngeal and the vagal nerves. In the vagal ganglion, positive neurons were found in the subpopulations for the branchial rami and the coelomic visceral ramus, but not for the posterior ramus or the lateral line ramus. In the medulla, nitrergic afferent terminals were found in the glossopharyngeal lobe, the vagal lobe, and the commissural nucleus. In the gill structure, the nitrergic nerve fibers were seen in the nerve bundles running along the efferent branchial artery of all three gill arches. These fibers appeared to terminate in the proximal portion of the efferent filament arteries of three gill arches. On the other hand, autonomic neurons innervating the gill arches were unstained. These results suggest that nitrergic sensory neurons in the glossopharyngeal and vagal ganglia project their peripheral processes through the branchial rami to a specific portion of the branchial arteries, and they might play a role in baroreception of this fish. A possible role for nitric oxide (NO) in baroreception is also discussed.
Cell and Tissue Research 08/1999; 298(1):45-54. · 3.11 Impact Factor
