Ultrastructural localization of VIP-like immunoreactivity in large dense-core vesicles of ‘cholinergic-type’ nerve terminals in cat exocrine glands

Exocrine glands of the cat were analysed with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method and routine electron microscopy. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity was observed in certain nerve endings in the submandibular salivary gland, lacrimal gland and Harderian gland. The distribution of the VIP immunoreactive nerve fibres agreed well with earlier light microscopic findings. At the electron microscopic level electron-dense precipitates representing VIP-like immunoreactivity were seen in so-called large dense-core vesicles (median diameter about 990A?) in nerve fibres and varicosities also containing many small (‘immunonegative’) agranular vesicles. In conventional electron microscopy, the small agranular vesicles outnumbered the large dense-core vesicles by about 9 to 1. Immunoreactive fibres and varicosities could be seen close to the secretory acini (distance less than 400A?) and more distant (1500A?or more) to e.g. demilunes, ducts and blood vessels of the glands. The number and distribution of immunoreactive nerve fibres were not affected by sympathectomy. Furthermore, no typical ‘p-type’ bouton profiles, which are dominated by large opaque vesicles (dia. 800–2000A?), could be seen in the ultrastructural analysis of conventional preparations of the glands.The morphological features of the VIP immunoreactive nerve endings could not be distinguished from those often described as representing cholinergic fibres. These findings are in agreement with earlier suggestions of a possible coexistence of acetylcholine and VIP in neurons innervating exocrine glands and indicate possible functions for VIP in the roles of these nerves in evoking vasodilation and exocrine secretion.     

Distribution and Origin of VIP‐, SP‐, and Phospholipase Cβ2‐Immunoreactive Nerves in the Tongue of the Bullfrog,Rana catesbeiana

Previous studies have found a few intralingual ganglionic cells that were immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the frog. A recent study reported a large number of such cells, and the possibility of the release of substance P (SP) from these. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution, origin, and colocalization of VIP‐ and SP‐ immunoreactive nerves in the tongue of the bullfrog, R. catesbeiana. In addition, the study also examined the colocalization of SP and phospholipase Cβ₂ (PLCβ₂) in the tongue and jugular ganglion. VIP immunoreactivity was seen in unipolar cells that were sparse in nerve bundles in the submucosal and muscle layers. The density of VIP‐immunoreactive cells was approximately 4.8 cells/mm³. Their fibers terminated in the vicinity of the epithelial basal layer of the fungiform papillae. SP immunoreactivity was not seen in the VIP‐immunoreactive cells, but was observed in pseudounipolar cells in the jugular ganglion. The SP fibers terminated close to the free surface, showing spindle‐ and button‐like profiles. Transection of glossopharyngeal nerve resulted in the persistence of VIP‐immunoreactive cells and the disappearance of SP‐immunoreactive fibers in the tongue. SP immunoreactivity was co‐expressed with PLCβ₂ in both the tongue and jugular ganglia. No PLCβ₂ immunoreactivity was seen in cells comprising the epithelial taste disk. These findings indicate that the origin of VIP nerve fibers are unipolar cells in the tongue, and SP and PLCβ₂ fibers originate from pseudounipolar cells that may be able to release SP primarily in the jugular ganglion. Anat Rec, 299:929–942, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Immunocytochemical localization of hepatic fatty acid binding protien in the rat intestine: Effect of fasting

Localization of hepatic fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) in the small and large intestines of rats was studied by light and electron microscopic histochemistry using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method. In the small intestine of rats fed ad libitum, an intense FABP immunoreactivity was confined to the absorptive epithelial cells of the villi, but not of the crypts. The lowest margin of the immunoreactive cell sheet was closer to the crypts in the proximal than in the distal portions of the small intestine. In the large intestine, FABP immunoreactivity was present in the surface epithelial cells, with higher intesity in the proximal than in the distal portions of the intestine. After fasting rats for two days, many crypt cells exhibited intense immunoreactivity for h-FABP, resulting in an extension of the lowest margin of the immunoreactive cell sheet deep into the crypts. Such expansion of the immunoreactive cell population was reversed by refeeding the animals. With regard to the intracellular localization of immunoreactivity in the jejunum, the basolateral portion of the cytoplasm exhibited a more intense immunoreaction than the apical portion in the majority of immunoreactive cells lining the villi, whether the animals were fed or fasted. The immunoreactive products appeared in the cytoplasmic matix without association with any subcellular structures. Although clusters of cells located in the villous tips exhibited evenly dense immunostaining throughout the entire cytoplasm, no increasing gradient in the intensity of the immunoreactivity from the base to the apex of the cytoplasm was seen in any epithelial cells. The present findings imply that h-FABP could be involved in the uptake and metabolism of plasma-derived as well as dietary-free fatty acids by the intestinal epithelial cells.     

Dynorphin-A immunoreactive terminals on the neuronal somata of rat mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus

Dynorphin-A-like immunoreactivity was investigated in the rat mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Mes 5) at the light and electron microscopic levels. Dynorphin-A immunoreactive fibers and puncta, likely representing nerve terminals, were observed throughout rostrocaudal extension of the Mes 5 at the light microscopic level. Within the rostrocaudal extension, more abundant fibers and puncta were localized in the midbrain–pontine junction and pontine areas than in the midbrain area. At the electron microscopic level, dynorphin-A immunoreactive synapses were observed on the somata of Mes 5. Dynorphin-A-like immunoreactivity tended to be restricted to dense-cored vesicles in the synapses. These results suggest that dynorphin-A-containing fiber systems affect mastication through the Mes 5.     

Morphological changes of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity in rat cerebral cortex after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion with special reference to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

We investigated morphological changes in neurons with c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (c-Fos-LI) after cerebral ischemia by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. Strong c-Fos-LI was observed in layers II–VI of the cerebral cortex with an especially abundant distribution in the nuclei of layers II, IV, and VI ipsilateral to the lesioned side. Reperfusion after ischemia had a greater effect on the expression of c-Fos-LI than did permanent ischemia. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-positive neurons were seen scattered in layers II–V of the cerebral cortex. Some VIP-positive neurons showed c-Fos-LI after ischemia. Electron microscopy revealed c-Fos-LI in euchromatin in the nuclei of c-Fos-positive cells. Dilatation of the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the presence of numerous secondary lysosomes were found in neurons on the lesioned side after 12h of reperfusion. Some VIP-containing neurons revealed c-Fos-LI with reperfusion after ischemia by a double immunostaining method on the same tissue section. These findings suggest that ischemia potentiates c-fos expression in VIP- or other transmitter- or modulator-containing neurons, thereby protecting from neuronal cell death.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-like immunoreactive neurons located in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus receive a direct retinal projection

The existence of a direct projection from retinal ganglion cells to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-like immunoreactive neuronal elements in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was revealed by combining analysis of degenerating axons following enucleation and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. Degenerating axons appeared to make synaptic contact with VIP-like immunoreactive dendrite and neuronal perikarya in the ventral part of the SCN. The possibility of neuronal input from retinal ganglion cells to axons of VIP-like immunoreactive neurons was also suspected since axo-axonic synapses were detected between degenerating axons and axons with VIP-like immunoreactivity. Thus, VIP-like immunoreactive neurons in the SCN receive several neuronal inputs, including those from the retina, and may play a significant role in circadian entrainment.     

Immunocytochemical evidence for calcitonin gene-related peptide-like neurons in the dorsal horn and lateral spinal nucleus of the rat cervical spinal cord

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord was assumed until now to be principally of primary afferent origin. It is shown here, on the basis of both light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical evidence, that some cell bodies of the dorsal horn and lateral spinal nucleus (LSn) of the rat cervical spinal cord contain a CGRP-like immunoreactivity. At the light microscopic level, immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in animals pretreated with colchicine injected intraventricularly, CGRP-like cell bodies were morphologically heterogeneous and distributed in the three superficial layers of the dorsal horn. They were very rare in lamina I and more numerous in laminae II and III. A group of immunoreactive cell bodies was also observed in the LSn. Using electron microscopic techniques, a few immunoreactive cell bodies were observed even in control animals. In addition, relatively numerous immunoreactive dendrites were observed in lamina II. The specificity of the reaction and the physiological implications of the results are discussed.     

Immunocytochemical localization of hepatic fatty acid binding protein in the rat intestine: effect of fasting

Localization of hepatic fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) in the small and large intestines of rats was studied by light and electron microscopic histochemistry using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method. In the small intestine of rats fed ad libitum, an intense FABP immunoreactivity was confined to the absorptive epithelial cells of the villi, but not of the crypts. The lowest margin of the immunoreactive cell sheet was closer to the crypts in the proximal than in the distal portions of the small intestine. In the large intestine, FABP immunoreactivity was present in the surface epithelial cells, with higher intensity in the proximal than in the distal portions of the intestine. After fasting rats for two days, many crypt cells exhibited intense immunoreactivity for h-FABP, resulting in an extension of the lowest margin of the immunoreactive cell sheet deep into the crypts. Such expansion of the immunoreactive cell population was reversed by refeeding the animals. With regard to the intracellular localization of immunoreactivity in the jejunum, the basolateral portion of the cytoplasm exhibited a more intense immunoreaction than the apical portion in the majority of immunoreactive cells lining the villi, whether the animals were fed or fasted. The immunoreactive products appeared in the cytoplasmic matrix without association with any subcellular structures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide have synaptic contacts with axons immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y: an immunoelectron microscopic study in the rat

An electron microscopic study showed by using a dual immunolabeling technique that in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rat, axon terminals immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y (NPY) made synaptic contacts upon neurons immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Diaminobenzidine (DAB)-labeled NPY axon terminals made synaptic contacts on silver-gold-labeled VIP perikarya and dendritic processes. The presynaptic NPY terminals contained many small clear vesicles and a few cored vesicles labeled with DAB chromogen. At the synaptic portion, a symmetrical thickening of the pre- and post-synaptic membranes was evident.     

Immunocytochemical localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the brain of the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Summary Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity has been examined in the brain of the little brown bat,Myotis lucifugus, using light microscopic immunocytochemistry and the indirect antibody enzyme method of Sternberger. Animals were sacrificed at three different and discrete levels of physiological activity: euthermic, hypothermic and hibernating. The density and distribution of immunoreactive neurons and fibres was compared in the three animal groups with the aid of a computerized image analysis system. Our results were compared with those of previous studies in laboratory species such as the rat and cat.Our study has demonstrated marked changes in the density of VIP-immunoreactive fibres and plexuses in the anterior hypothalamic area which correspond to the physiological state of the animal. In addition we have demonstrated the presence of VIP immunoreactive perikarya in a number of previously unreported locations. These include the paraventricular and periventricular hypothalamic nuclei, the linear raphe nucleus, nucleus interfascicularis, and in neurons embedded in the fibres of the dorsal tegmental decussation.     

Adrenomedullin expression is up-regulated by ischemia-reperfusion in the cerebral cortex of the adult rat

Changes in the pattern of adrenomedullin expression in the rat cerebral cortex after ischemia-reperfusion were studied by light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody against human adrenomedullin (22-52). Animals were subjected to 30 min of oxygen and glucose deprivation in a perfusion model simulating global cerebral ischemia, and the cerebral cortex was studied after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 h of reperfusion. Adrenomedullin immunoreactivity was elevated in certain neuronal structures after 6-12 h of reperfusion as compared with controls. Under these conditions, numerous large pyramidal neurons and some small neurons were intensely stained in all cortical layers. The number of immunoreactive pre- and post-synaptic structures increased with the reperfusion time. Neurons immunoreactive for adrenomedullin presented a normal morphology whereas non-immunoreactive neurons were clearly damaged, suggesting a potential cell-specific protective role for adrenomedullin. The number and intensity of immunoreactive endothelial cells were also progressively elevated as the reperfusion time increased. In addition, the perivascular processes of glial cells and/or pericytes followed a similar pattern, suggesting that adrenomedullin may act as a vasodilator in the cerebrocortical circulation.In summary, adrenomedullin expression is elevated after the ischemic insult and seems to be part of CNS response mechanism to hypoxic injury.     

Peptidergic innervation of the mammalian sinus nodes: Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide,neurotensin, substance P

By the use of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique in the sinus node of several mammalian species, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neurotensin (NT) and substance P (SP) immunoreactive structures were detected. VIP and NT as well as SP immunoreactive fibers were found in close association to the vasculature. While the innervation by SP immunoreactive fibers was restricted to blood vessels, VIP and NT immunoreactive fibers and varicosities were also in contact to nodal cells. Juxtanodal intracardiac ganglia and single intranodal ganglionic cells were supplied by VIP, NT and SP immunoreactive varicosities. In addition, VIP immunoreactive perikarya were present. The results suggest an involvement of VIP, NT and SP in the regulation of sinus node blood flow, in impulse generation as well as in extrinsic and intrinsic cardiac reflex mechanisms.     

Functional recovery in rats with ischemic paraplegia after spinal grafting of human spinal stem cells

Transient spinal cord ischemia in humans can lead to the development of permanent paraplegia with prominent spasticity and rigidity. Histopathological analyses of spinal cords in animals with ischemic spastic paraplegia show a selective loss of small inhibitory interneurons in previously ischemic segments but with a continuing presence of ventral alpha-motoneurons and descending cortico-spinal and rubro-spinal projections. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of human spinal stem cells (hSSCs) implanted spinally in rats with fully developed ischemic paraplegia on the recovery of motor function and corresponding changes in motor evoked potentials. In addition the optimal time frame for cell grafting after ischemia and the optimal dosing of grafted cells were also studied. Spinal cord ischemia was induced for 10 min using aortic occlusion and systemic hypotension. In the functional recovery study, hSSCs (10,000-30,000 cells/0.5 mul/injection) were grafted into spinal central gray matter of L2-L5 segments at 21 days after ischemia. Animals were immunosuppressed with Prograf (1 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg) for the duration of the study. After cell grafting the recovery of motor function was assessed periodically using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system and correlated with the recovery of motor evoked potentials. At predetermined times after grafting (2-12 weeks), animals were perfusion-fixed and the survival, and maturation of implanted cells were analyzed using antibodies recognizing human-specific antigens: nuclear protein (hNUMA), neural cell adhesion molecule (hMOC), neuron-specific enolase (hNSE) and synapthophysin (hSYN) as well as the non-human specific antibodies TUJ1, GFAP, GABA, GAD65 and GLYT2. After cell grafting a time-dependent improvement in motor function and suppression of spasticity and rigidity was seen and this improvement correlated with the recovery of motor evoked potentials. Immunohistochemical analysis of grafted lumbar segments at 8 and 12 weeks after grafting revealed intense hNSE immunoreactivity, an extensive axo-dendritic outgrowth as well as rostrocaudal and dorsoventral migration of implanted hNUMA-positive cells. An intense hSYN immunoreactivity was identified within the grafts and in the vicinity of persisting alpha-motoneurons. On average, 64% of hSYN terminals were GAD65 immunoreactive which corresponded to GABA immunoreactivity identified in 40-45% of hNUMA-positive grafted cells. The most robust survival of grafted cells was seen when cells were grafted 21 days after ischemia. As defined by cell survival and laminar distribution, the optimal dose of injected cells was 10,000-30,000 cells per injection. These data indicate that spinal grafting of hSSCs can represent an effective therapy for patients with spinal ischemic paraplegia.     

Localisation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactivity in rat and rabbit retinas

The distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactivity was examined in rat and rabbit retinas and was compared with the distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase reactivity and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity. An antibody raised against a C-terminal fragment of a cloned rat cerebellar NOS was used to localise NOS immunoreactivity. NOS immunoreactive cells were not detected in rat retinas at postnatal day 1 or 4, but were seen from postnatal day 7 onwards. NOS immunolabelling was seen in a small population of cells in the proximal inner nuclear layer. Most of the labelled cells had the position of amacrine cells and were seen to send processes into the inner plexiform layer. A few labelled cells were at times also seen in the ganglion cell layer, which are likely to correspond to displaced amacrine cells. The same NOS-labelling pattern was seen in rat and rabbit retinas.NADPH-diaphorase staining was observed in both species, in photoreceptor inner segments, in cells with the position of horizontal cells, in a subset of amacrine and displaced amacrine cells, in large cell bodies in the ganglion cell layer, in both plexiform layers, and in endothelium. Colocalisation of NOS immunoreactivity and NADPH-diaphorase staining was only observed among amacrine cells. However, not all NADPH-diaphorase-reactive amacrine cells were found to be NOS immunoreactive. VIP immunoreactivity was also localised in rat retinas in a subpopulation of amacrine cells, but no colocalisation of NOS and VIP immunoreactivity was observed.Our observations indicate that only amacrine cells contain the NOS form recognisable by the antibody used, and suggest that different isoforms of neuronal NOS may be present in retinal cells. Further, the onset of NOS expression in rat amacrine cells appears to occur independently of neuronal activity.Paper in honour of Professor Rolf Elofsson on the occasion of his retirement from the chair of Zoology at the University of Lund     

Light and electron microscope demonstration of VIP- and enkephalin-immunoreactive nerves in the human male genitourinary tract

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and enkephalins were demonstrated in the nerves of the human male urogenital tract by light and electron microscope immunohistochemical techniques. Nerves containing immunoreactivity to VIP were more numerous than enkephalin-immunoreactive nerves. Both VIP- and enkephalin-immunoreactive nerves were detected in the vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles, and urinary bladder. In the kidney, testis, and epididymis no immunoreactive nerves could be demonstrated. By electron microscope both types of immunoreactivities were localized to the large granular vesicles of nerve terminals. VIP-immunoreactive nerves were mostly found subepithelially, whereas enkephalin-immunoreactive nerves were mainly related to smooth muscle cells. The possible functions of these peptide-containing nerves are discussed.     

No colocalization of immunoreactivities for VIP and neuronal NOS, and a differential relation to cGMP-immunoreactivity in bovine penile smooth muscle

The distribution of immunoreactivity (IR) for the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the bovine retractor penis muscle (RP) and penile artery (PA) was studied by using two different methods. The distribution of these immunoreactivities was also compared with that of the immunoreactivity for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In both tissues the nerve fibers and terminals immunoreactive for VIP had a distribution that was completely different from that of the nerve fibers and terminals immunoreactive for nNOS. This contrasts with the previous observations in penile smooth muscle of other species. In the RP, as well as in the PA, many of the VIP-IR fibers were also immunoreactive for neurofilaments (NF), whereas the nNOS-IR fibers were consistently devoid of NF-IR. Stimulation with sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor, considerably increased cGMP-IR in the smooth muscle cells in both RP and PA, and in several nerve fibers in PA. Many of these cGMP-IR nerve fibers exhibited nNOS-IR, whereas none of them was immunoreactive for VIP. Our results suggest that the degree of coexistence of VIP-IR and nNOS-IR in the nerve fibers and terminals innervating penile smooth muscle show wide species differences. They also suggest that the mechanisms by which VIP could be involved in neurogenic penile erection may vary between species.     

An immunocytochemical study of calbindin-D28K in laminae I and II of the dorsal horn and spinal ganglia in the chicken with special reference to the relation to substance P-containing primary afferent neurons

The localization of calbindin-D28K (CB) was studied immunocytochemically in laminae I and II of the dorsal horn and in spinal ganglia in the chicken, and compared with the distribution of substance P (SP) using double immunolabeling. At the light microscopic level, CB immunoreactivity was observed most intensely in the lamina II using the avidin-biotinylated peroxidase complex (ABC) and immunofluorescence methods. At the electron microscopic level using the ABC method, CB immunoreactivity was observed in the following three neuronal elements: 1) the scalloped central terminal with many dense-cored vesicles (DCVs) in the synaptic glomerulus; 2) some vesicle-containing dendrites (VCDs) inside or outside the synaptic glomerulus; and 3) some axon terminals outside the synaptic glomerulus. The CB-immunoreactive (IR) VCDs in the synaptic glomerulus often formed reciprocal synapses with the central terminal. Strong immunoreactivity was observed at the postsynaptic membrane of CB-IR elements. Double immunofluorescence and immunolabeling methods at the electron microscopic level showed that CB and SP colocalized in the scalloped central terminal with DCVs of the synaptic glomerulus. Almost all SP-IR neurons in the spinal ganglion revealed the coexistence of CB in serial sections in the chicken. In light of previous biochemical and physiological reports, our findings suggest that CB - coexisting with SP - plays an important role in the control of pain transmission through its strong Ca(2+)-buffering action in the chicken.     

A light and electron microscopic study of taurine-like immunoreactivity in the main olfactory bulb of frogs

The distribution of taurine in the frog olfactory bulb was studied using light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical techniques. At the light microscopic level, taurine-like immunoreactivity (taurine-LI) was found in (i) fibers coursing from the olfactory nerve layer to the glomerular layer, (ii) cell bodies and processes primarily located in the caudal part of the granule cell layer (GCL), and (iii) puncta outlining unstained somata of mitral cells and cells in the GCL. In consecutive sections processed for taurine or GABA, numerous cells of the caudal GCL displayed taurine-LI and GABA-like immunoreactivity (GABA-LI). A bimodal distribution of the cross-sectional cell area for GABA-LI cells implied their morphological diversity, and the peak for larger GABA-LI cells coincided with the maximum for taurine-LI cells. At the electron microscopic level, single immunogold labeling showed that GABA-LI, but not taurine-LI, is present in granule cells, whereas both taurine-LI and GABA-LI were localized in a ‘non-granule’ type of cell. The double labeling procedure demonstrated coexistence of taurine-LI and GABA-LI in neurons of a ‘non-granule’ type. These cells had some ultrastructural features typical of short axon cells in the GCL of the mammalian olfactory bulb and were tentatively considered as short axon-like cells. Results suggest that, in the frog olfactory bulb, taurine is contained in primary olfactory afferents and short axon-like cells of the GCL co-localizing GABA and taurine.     

Coexistence of GABA and peptide immunoreactivity in non-pyramidal neurons of the basolateral amygdala

Colocalization of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivity with somatostatin (SOM), neuropeptide Y (NPY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivity was demonstrated in non-pyramidal neurons of the basolateral amygdala using a two-color immunoperoxidase procedure. Approximately 80–90% of SOM- and NPY-positive neurons in the basolateral amygdala were also immunoreactive for GABA. Virtually all large CCK-positive neurons also exhibited GABA-like immunoreactivity. About one-half of VIP-positive neurons and small CCK-positive cells were also immunoreactive for GABA.     

Distribution of peptide- and catecholamine-containing neurons in the gastro-intestinal tract of rat and guinea-pig: immunohistochemical studies with antisera to substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, enkephalins, somatostatin, gastrin/cholecystokinin, neurotensin and dopamine beta-hydroxylase

The distribution of peptide-containing neurons in the oesophagus, stomach and small and large intestine of the rat and the guinea-pig has been studied with the indirect immunofluorescence technique ofCoons &; Co-workers (1958) using antisera to substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), enkephalin, somatostatin, gastrin and neurotensin. (The gastrin antiserum is to the C-terminal portion and consequently reacts also with cholecystokinin (CCK)-like peptides.) For comparison, the noradrenergic innervation was visualized with antiserum to dopamine β-hydroxylase. For improved visualization of peptide-containing cell bodies, a mitotic inhibitor (colchicine or vinblastine) was applied locally on the different parts of the gastro-intestinal tract of several animals.Substance P-, VIP-, enkephalin- and somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was observed in all parts of the gastro-intestinal tract studied. Gastrin/CCK had a more limited distribution, especially in the guinea-pig and neurotensin was seen only in certain regions and layers of the rat gastro-intestinal tract.Immunoreactivity to all peptides except neurotensin was observed both in cell bodies and fibres; immunoreactivity to neurotensin has so far only been seen in nerve fibres. Substance P and enkephalin immunoreactive cells were often numerous in the myenteric plexus, whereas VIP and somatostatin immunoreactive cells were preferentially located in the submucous plexus. Some VIP immunoreactive cells were observed in the lamina propria. Large numbers of especially substance P-, VIP- and enkephalin-containing fibres were often seen in the circular muscle layer and in the two ganglionic plexuses. Substance P immunoreactive fibres formed the densest network in the ganglionic plexuses, whereas VIP immunoreactive fibres constituted the most impressive network in the lamina propria and often extended into the most superficial parts of the mucosa. Enkephalin immunoreactive structures were mainly confined to the circular and longitudinal muscle layers and the myenteric plexus. Somatostatin immunoreactive fibres were mainly found in the ganglionic plexuses.Peptide-containing fibres, particularly these containing substance P and VIP were often seen along blood vessels, but never with such a density as the noradrenergic (dopamine β-hydroxylase immunoreactive) fibres. No somatostatin or neurotensin immunoreactive fibres were observed in relation to clearly identifiable blood vessels.The possible coexistence of two peptides in one neuron was studied. For this part of the study the proximal colon and five antisera, namely substance P, VIP, enkephalin. somatostatin and gastrin/CCK antisera were selected. Evidence was obtained for the occurrence of a somatostatin-like and a gastrin/ CCK-like peptide in the same neurons. This may indicate a common precursor for the two peptides in these particular neurons. Each of the substance P-, VIP- and enkephalin-like peptides. on the other hand, seem to be present in different neuronal populations, which were themselves distinct from the somatostatin-gastrin/CCK immunoreactive neurons. In addition, somatostatin immunoreactive neurons different from the gastrin/CCK immunoreactive ones seem to exist. The gastrin/CCK immunoreactive fibres around blood vessels may represent a further, separate population of fibres, since no somatostatin immunoreactive fibres were seen at this location.The findings indicate the existence of numerous subpopulations of enteric neurons, each characterized by its content of a certain peptide (or peptides). The axons of most of these neurons probably terminate in the wall of the gastro-intestinal tract, but some seem to project to other organs. In addition, some peptide-containing fibres in the gastro-intestinal wall may have an extrinsic origin. The relationship between these peptide-containing neurons and the cholinergic enteric neurons and any of the other non-cholinergic. non-adrenergic inhibitory and excitatory neurons present in the enteric nervous system is not known. It is, however, noteworthy that a somatostatin-like peptide seems to be present in noradrenergic neurons of prevertebral ganglia that project to the intestine. The possibility must be kept in mind that one or more of the peptides in the gut could be localized in neurons that contain other potential transmitters, e.g. acetylcholine.The wide variety of pharmacological actions of these neuronal peptides on smooth muscle and neurons in the gut and on its blood vessels raises the possibility that some of them may be neurotransmitters.