Nitric oxide-containing neurons in the bovine gut, with special reference to their relationship with VIP and galanin

The presence and distribution of nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d)-containing neurons have been studied by means of NADPH-d histochemistry in different regions of the adult cow gut, from the esophagus to the rectum. NADPH-d and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were constantly recognized to be colocalized in the same neuron. The colocalization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and galanin in such nitrergic neurons was also studied by means of combined histochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. NADPH-d-positive neurons were present along the myenteric plexus of the entire gut, and in the submucous plexus from the abomasum to the rectum. Notably, they formed two types of nerve networks in the submucous connective tissue of the jejunum-ileum. NADPH-d-positive innervation of the muscle layers occurred throughout the tract, and sometimes a clear correspondence was noted between the number of reactive fibres and the thickness of the muscle. Nitrergic fibres also occurred in the mucosa and often were in relation to glands and blood vessels. The nitrergic neurons varied in size, shape, and intensity of staining, and often their terminals were seen to surround unstained perikarya. Various types of neurons were recognized on the basis of their chemical content; one of them contained galanin, VIP and NOS simultaneously. The present results suggest that the nitrergic neurons of the bovine gastrointestinal tract play roles presumably for controlling the motility of the gut and the conduction of interneuronal impulses.     

Histology of the digestive tract of the freshwater stingray Himantura signifer Compagno and Roberts, 1982 (Elasmobranchii, Dasyatidae)

We investigated the histology and histochemistry (of carbohydrates and proteins) of the digestive tract of the freshwater stingray Himantura signifier. The alimentary tract consists of a mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach (with a descending cardiac and ascending pyloric part), anterior intestine (with an initial portion and a spiral intestine) and posterior intestine, ending in a cloaca. Histologically, three layers—mucosa, muscularis and adventitia/serosa—were defined from the mouth to esophagus and in the posterior intestine, whereas in the stomach and anterior intestine four layers were present, including a submucosa. The epithelial lining of mouth, pharynx and cloaca was of the stratified cuboidal type, whereas that of the esophagus and posterior intestine was stratified columnar. The stomach and anterior intestine were lined by a simple columnar epithelium with microvilli. Goblet cells were observed along the alimentary tract, except in the stomach. In the descending cardiac portion of this organ, gastric glands composed of oxyntic, oxyntic–peptic and peptic cells were observed. The anterior intestine presented a spiral valve with 11 folds, formed by mucosa and submucosa. The posterior intestine was particular in displaying a three-layered muscularis. Mucosubstances secreted along the alimentary tract contained both neutral and acid mucins, but in the stomach only neutral mucins were detected. The stomach presented intense protein content in the epithelial lining of the gastric pits. Enteroendocrine cells were identified in the stomach and intestine. Overall, our data offer a baseline for comparative purposes and future detailed ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. Kannika Chatchavalvanich and Ricardo Marcos contributed equally and should be regarded as joint first authors.     

一氧化氮合酶和5-羟色胺在体外培养的胚鼠脑干神经元内的共存研究

采用 NADPH-d组织化学和 5 -羟色胺免疫组织化学双重反应技术 ,探讨在体外培养条件下 E14 d SD胚鼠脑干神经元中5 -羟色胺与一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元的体外生长发育过程以及 5 -羟色胺与一氧化氮合酶的共存。将 E14 d SD胚鼠脑干细胞悬液接种于 2 4孔培养板 ,实验按培养龄分 4组分别在接种后 5 d、10 d、15 d和 2 1d终止培养 ,先进行 NADPH-d组织化学反应 ,再行 5 -羟色胺免疫组织化学反应。结果显示 :各实验组均可观察到三种神经元 ,即 5 -羟色胺免疫阳性神经元、一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元和两者的双重阳性神经元 ,其中双重阳性神经元占多数 ,并以梭形神经元为主 ,胞体呈三角形、多角形、梭形或卵圆形。 10 d组的双重阳性神经元突起最长可达 60 0μm以上 ,末端可见明显的生长锥 ,轴突终末分支上分布有大量的膨体 ,并与其它神经元的胞体或突起之间形成接触。本研究结果证明一氧化氮合酶和 5 -羟色胺可以在体外培养的胚鼠脑干神经元内共存 ,提示一氧化氮合酶可能与 5 -羟色胺共同参与胚脑的发育。     

NADPH-diaphorase and NOS enzymatic activities in some neurons of reptilian gut and their relationships with two neuropeptides

The distribution of neurons containing the enzymes NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been studied in the gastrointestinal tract of lizard (Podarcis s. sicula) and snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). The techniques employed were the NADPH-d/nitroblue tetrazolium histochemical method, and the indirect immunofluorescence applied to cryostat sections and to whole-mount preparations. The colocalization of NADPH-d with NOS, with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and with galanin (Gal) was also studied, and a Western blot analysis using an antibody directed against mammalian Gal was performed on lizard stomach extracts. NADPH-d positive nerve cell bodies and fibres were found in the myenteric and submucous plexuses throughout the gastrointestinal tract of both reptiles. These nerve structures were also present in the other intramural nerve plexuses, although in smaller quantities. Both in lizard and snake, the stomach revealed a positive nerve population that was more dense than elsewhere in the gut. The population of the NADPH-d-positive neurons observed in the lizard was larger than that observed in the snake. The distribution of both populations was similar to those that have been described in the gut of several mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates. Both in lizard and snake, a one-to-one correspondence was noted between NOS- and NADPH-d-containing nerve cell bodies, and the nitrergic neurons containing Gal appeared to be more numerous than those containing VIP. Western blot analysis recognised a single band with a molecular weight (3.4 kDa) very similar to that of porcine Gal. It is hypothesised that at least some of the nitrergic neurons of the lizard and snake gut are inhibitory motor neurons innervating the circular smooth musculature. In addition, the colocalization of NOS and VIP in neurons enhances their inhibitory action. The role of the neurons containing both NOS and Gal remains unknown.     

Immunohistochemical localization of peripheral nitric oxide synthase-containing nerves using antibodies raised against synthesized C- and N-terminal fragments of a cloned enzyme from rat brain

Antibodies were raised in rabbits against C- or N-terminal fragments of a cloned nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme from rat cerebellum, and used for demonstration of NOS-immunoreactive (NOS-IR) nerves in different tissues from the rat (colon, duodenum, adrenal gland, aorta, caval vein, penis and urethra). Both antisera demonstrated the same neuronal elements, although with differences in intensity in the immunoreaction in some tissues. Sections incubated with antisera preabsorbed with excess of the antigens showed no NOS immunoreactivity. In duodenum and colon, NOS-immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of numerous cell bodies in myenteric ganglia and in some nerve cell bodies in the submucosa. NOS-IR nerve fibres were numerous in the circular muscle layer, while few were found in the longitudinal layer or the mucosa and submucosa. In the penis, strong NOS immunoreactivity was found in nerves surrounding the deep penile and dorsal arteries, and in nerves in the stroma of the cavernous tissue. In the urethra, NOS immunoreactivity was found in nerves in the mucosa. No NOS immunoreactivity was found in the urothelium. The adrenal medulla, and occasionally the cortex, contained nerve cell bodies with strong cytoplasmic NOS immunoreactivity as well as scattered nerve fibres. No NOS immunoreactivity was found in the abdominal aorta or inferior caval vein. Combined NOS immunostaining and NADPH diaphorase staining showed that virtually all NOS-IR nerve structures were also NADPH diaphorase-positive. However, thin nerve fibres and cell linings were sometimes better visualized by NOS-immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the adrenal cortex, which only occasionally showed NOS immunoreactivity, was strongly NADPH diaphorase-positive. A positive NADPH diaphorase reaction, but a negative NOS immunoreactivity, was also found in other structures, such as urothelium, epithelial cells in duodenum and colon, and endothelium of some vessels. It is concluded that the antibodies raised against the synthesized sequences of neuronal NOS are highly specific and may be used in immunohistochemistry in order to detect neuronal NOS.     

An immunohistochemical study of the distribution of enteric GABA-containing neurons in the rat and guinea-pig intestine

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) antiserum was applied to sections of rat and guinea-pig intestine which were subsequently processed to reveal any immunoreactivity using either fluorescence or peroxidase techniques. Immunopositive fibres were demonstrated in stomach, duodenum, ileum and colon of rat and guinea-pig intestine. Myenteric ganglia and nerve bundles in the circular muscle contained immunopositive nerve fibres, while the longitudinal muscle, submucosa and mucosa were only rarely innervated. In favourable sections, immunopositive fibres could be seen running from the myenteric plexus into the circular muscle, thus suggesting that the GABA-immunopositive nerves in the circular muscle originate from neurons in the myenteric plexus. In both rat and guinea-pig, immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were most numerous in the myenteric plexus of the colon. In the rat, immunopositive fibres in the circular muscle were most abundant in the ileum, whereas in the guinea-pig it was the colon circular muscle that was most richly innervated. The results demonstrate that neurons which show GABA immunoreactivity are present along the length of the gastrointestinal tract. Their distribution in both myenteric ganglia and circular muscle is heterogeneous both within and between the two species studied. It is probable that this heterogeneity reflects the diversity and specificity of function of this class of enteric neurons.     

NADPH-diaphorase distribution in the rabbit superior colliculus and co-localization with calcium-binding proteins

Nitric oxide (NO) and calcium‐binding proteins (CaBP) are important neuromodulators implicated in brain plasticity and brain disease. In addition, the mammalian superior colliculus (SC) has one of the highest concentrations of NO within the brain. The present study was designed to determine the distribution of nitric oxide‐synthesizing neurons in the SC of the rabbit by enzyme histochemistry for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d), and its degree of co‐localization with CaBP, parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin (CB). NADPH‐d‐labelled fibres formed dense patches of terminal buttons within the intermediate grey layer and streams of fibres within the deepest layers of SC. Cells expressing NOS constitute a subpopulation of neurons in which practically all cell types are represented. Combined PV/NADPH‐d experiments showed a complete lack of co‐localization within individual neurons and fibres. On the contrary, double‐labelled neurons appeared in CB/NADPH‐d‐stained sections, only in the superficial layers, and mostly in the SGS and SO. These cells, which were intermingled with other neurons containing either NADPH‐d or CB, appear to be a subtype of narrow‐field and wide‐field vertical cells, and display an anterior–posterior gradient of density. Owing to the involvement of the superficial layers of the SC in the organization and integration of the visual information, it is suggested that these neurons may play a concrete role within the visual circuits. Our data indicate a clear selectivity in the expression of NADPH‐d, PV and CB in the SC, and that NO and CB probably serve as co‐modulators and/or co‐transmitters in the connectivity of the superficial layers of this midbrain structure.     

An immunohistochemical study of endocrine cells in the alimentary tract of the grass lizard, Takydromus wolteri Fischer (Laceridae)

Distribution patterns and the relative frequency of different types of endocrine cells were demonstrated in the alimentary tract of the grass lizard, Takydromus wolteri, using nine specific antibodies raised against mammalian regulatory peptides. The alimentary tract of the lizard was divided into six portions from the esophagus to the rectum. Most endocrine cells were found in the epithelial lining and were generally spindle shaped with long cytoplasmic processes ending in the lumen (open cell type), whereas cells that were spherical in shape (closed cell type) were occasionally found in gastric, esophageal and intestinal glands. Endocrine cells were stained for the following regulatory peptides: bovine Sp-1/chromogranin (BCG), serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK)-8, glucagon, insulin, human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP) and secretin. Cells stained for BCG and serotonin were present throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract and they occurred with the highest frequency in stomach and pylorus, respectively. Somatostatin-positive cells were detected throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract except for the esophagus and large intestine, and were most predominant in pylorus and duodenum. Cells stained for gastrin were restricted to the pylorus and duodenum and occurred with a relatively low frequency. CCK-8-positive cells were observed from pylorus to small intestine and showed the highest frequency in the pylorus. Glucagon- and insulin-containing cells were located in duodenum and small intestine but were found only rarely. HPP-stained cells were detected in duodenum and small intestine with the highest frequency in duodenum. Cells stained for secretin were restricted to duodenum and were found only rarely. In conclusion, distribution patterns and the relative frequency of these endocrine cells correspond well with previous reports on distribution patterns of endocrine cells in reptile species but some deviating patterns were also observed.     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactive vagal sensory neurons innervating the gastrointestinal tract of the rat

We have determined whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactive (BDNF-ir) neurons in the vagal ganglia innervate the gastrointestinal tract. Many BDNF-ir neurons were medium in size and located throughout the jugular and nodose ganglia. When Fluorogold was injected into the wall of the cervical esophagus, many retrogradely Fluorogold-labeled neurons were found in both the jugular ganglion and the nodose ganglion. When Fluorogold was injected into the body of the stomach or applied to the cut end of the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve, numerous Fluorogold-labeled neurons were found mostly in the nodose ganglion. Double-labeling combining immunohistochemistry for BDNF and retrograde tracing with Fluorogold showed that more than 90% of the neurons in the jugular ganglion and the nodose ganglion projecting to the cervical esophagus contained BDNF-like immunoreactivity. In the cases of both Fluorogold injection into the stomach and Fluorogold application to the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve, almost all Fluorogold-labeled neurons in the nodose ganglion contained BDNF-like immunoreactivity. These results indicated that almost all vagal sensory neurons located in either the jugular ganglion or the nodose ganglion that innervate the gastrointestinal tract are BDNF-ir neurons.     

应激性高血压大鼠中脑导水管周围灰质内一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元的变化

目的 :研究应激性高血压大鼠中脑导水管周围灰质 (periaqueductalgray ,PAG)内一氧化氮合酶 (nitricoxidesynthase,NOS)阳性神经元的变化在该病发生中的作用。方法 :采用电击足底结合噪声建立应激性高血压大鼠模型 ,NADPH d和免疫组化方法观察PAG内NOS阳性神经元的变化 ,并进行光镜计数和图像分析。结果 :应激性高血压大鼠PAG内NOS阳性神经元和神经元型 (neuronalNOSnNOS)免疫阳性神经元的数量均明显减少 ,平均灰度值明显增高 ;且二者的数量和平均灰度值与应激性高血压大鼠的收缩压均有明显相关关系。结论 :应激性高血压大鼠PAG内NOS阳性神经元的变化可能参与了应激性高血压的形成。     

Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerves in the uterine cervix and neurons in dorsal root and paracervical ganglia of the female rat.

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was selectively stained in nerve fibers of the uterine cervix and neurons of the paracervical (PG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) by NADPH diaphorase histochemistry. In the cervix, numerous NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers were observed in the myometrium, endometrium and around arteries. In addition, a subpopulation of neurons within ganglia that innervate the cervix, i.e., the PG and DRG, were NADPH-diaphorase positive; thus the fibers in the cervix could be sensory and/or autonomic. NADPH-diaphorase/NOS localization identifies sites where nitric oxide (NO) can be synthesized. Since NO relaxes vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle, the prevalence and anatomical localization of NADPH-diaphorase-positive fibers suggest that they could influence functions of the uterine cervix.     

急性内毒素血症早期大鼠淋巴管运动变化及其一氧化氮合酶组织学研究

目的:研究急性内毒素血症早期大鼠淋巴管运动变化和一氧化氮合酶(NOS)的相关组织染色,探讨二者的关系。方法:股静脉注脂多糖(LPS),观察大鼠肠系膜淋巴管2h内的运动变化及相关组织的酶组化、HE染色。结果:LPS组淋巴管管径变大,运动频率减少,镜下见小肠绒毛中央乳糜管及粘膜下淋巴管丛极度扩张;对照及LPS组淋巴管内皮细胞及管壁上神经纤维都含有NOS阳性反应产物。结论:内毒素血症早期淋巴管扩张,运动减少,NOS可能在其中起重要作用。     

Innervation of NADPH diaphorase-containing neurons correlated with acetylcholinesterase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and neuropeptides in the pigeon cloaca

The motility of the avian cloaca is under neural control, but little is known about the neural network that accomplishes this function. This present study was designed to determine the distribution of nitric oxide-synthesising neurons in the pigeon cloaca by enzyme histochemistry for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d). NADPH-d-positive staining was seen in the neurons and fibres in the cloaca. The highest density of nerve fibres was noted in the coprodeum and the lowest in the proctodeum. In the coprodeum, NADPH-d neurons were found singly, formed small groups of 2–10 neurons, or were seen in plexuses in the muscle layer, lamina propria, or around the arterioles. Several NADPH-d-positive neurons were also observed in the ganglia of the cloaca. NADPH-d fibres ran in the muscle layer, lamina muscularis mucosae and lamina propria, or surrounded blood vessels. The distribution pattern of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-stained neurons and fibres in the cloaca was similar to that of NADPH-d. Double staining for NADPH-d and AChE showed colocalisation of the 2 enzymes in many neurons of the cloaca. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive nerve fibres originating outside the cloaca were also noted. In the urodeum and proctodeum, neurons or fibres positive for NADPH-d, AChE or TH were scattered in the lamina propria. Nerve fibres immunoreactive for calcitonin-gene related peptide, galanin, methionine-enkephalin, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were found sparsely in the cloaca. Our results demonstrate that nitrergic neurons constitute a subpopulation which is closely associated with the cholinergic system in the pigeon cloaca.     

Localization of nitrergic neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the ultimobranchial glands of the chicken

The ultimobranchial glands of 20 chickens, aged 2–3 months, were investigated for their nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) reactivity and the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), using NADPH-d histochemistry and NOS immunocytochemistry respectively. Formazan, the blue reaction product of NADPH-d, was localised in the neuronal cell bodies and nerve fibres. Most of the cell bodies were found in the parenchyma. Some of them occurred in the wall of the ultimobranchial cysts, and a few in the immediate vicinity of the blood vessels. Labelled nerve fibres mostly travelled with blood vessels, while few of them appeared in the cystic lining. In addition to neuronal profiles, some C cells, cystic lining, and vascular endothelium were also labelled. NOS staining was found in neuron-like cells and fibres that were confirmed as neurons in adjacent sections stained with antibodies against neuron-specific enolase. It was also detected in cystic lining and in some C cells, but not in vascular endothelium. The distribution patterns of NADPH-d and NOS suggest that NO may play a role in the regulation of the secretory activity of and the blood flow through the ultimobranchial glands.     

Distribution of choline acetyltransferase and NADPH diaphorase in the spinal cord of the pigeon

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of somatic and autonomic motor systems of the spinal cord. However, there are also intrinsic cholinergic systems which have modulatory functions. Modulatory functions have also been assigned to nitric oxide (NO). Acetylcholine is synthesized by choline acetyltransferase and NO by nitric oxide synthase, which is a NADPH diaphorase. The distribution of both enzymes in the mammalian spinal cord is well known. However, there is a lack of comparative data in avian species. Therefore, the distribution of both enzymes in the spinal cord of the pigeon was studied using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Aside from somatic motor neurons and autonomic preganglionic neurons choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactivity was found throughout the spinal cord in lamina III of the superficial dorsal horn and near the central canal. The location of choline acetyltransferase-positive preganglionic neurons in the centrally located column of Terni and the lack of an intermediolateral column typical of the mammalian spinal cord can be confirmed. In lumbosacral segments the axons of centrally located cholinergic neurons crossed to the contralateral side to form a tract in the ventral funiculus, which then innervates the contralateral grey substance. A dense band of NADPH diaphorase staining was found in lamina II and in centrally located neurons of all segments. Part of the centrally located neurons double-labelled for choline acetyltransferase and NADPH diaphorase. In contrast to mammals, preganglionic neurons labelled only weakly for NADPH diaphorase. Altogether, despite the divergent evolution of both classes of vertebrate intrinsic modulatory choline acetyltransferase and NADPH diaphorase systems of birds seem to be largely similar to those of the mammalian spinal cord.     

NADPH diaphorase histochemistry of the human hypothalamus

The morphology and distribution of NADPH diaphorase reactive neurons was studied in the normal human hypothalamus. Reactive neurons were divided into three categories on the basis of perikaryal size. Small neurons (8–20 μm) were oval or fusiform, and pale staining. Intermediate neurons (20–30 μm) were fusiform, triangular or pyramidal with a wide range of staining intensity. Large neurons (> 30 μm) were triangular or pyramidal with moderate to dark staining. Reactive neurons were found in four major regions: medial preoptic, ventromedial, lateral, and perifornical. Scattered positive neurons were found in several other hypothalamic areas. Reactive fibers were present in the supraoptic decussation, medial forebrain bundle, and stria medullaris thalami.

The localization of NADPH diaphorase neurons in hypothalamic nuclei affected by Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative disorders suggests that further studies of this neuronal subset are warranted     

2型糖尿病模型db/db小鼠海马NOS阳性神经元变化

目的　观察人类 2型糖尿病模型———C5 7BL/KsJdb/db(db/db)小鼠海马NOS阳性神经元变化。方法　糖尿病组 :6周龄C5 7BL/KsJ(db +db +)小鼠 5只 ,尾静脉空腹血糖高于 11.1mmol/L且肥胖。对照组 :非糖尿病小鼠C5 7BL/KsJ(?+) 5只 ,尾静脉空腹血糖低于 6 .0mmol/L体重正常 ,于 30周龄 (成模第 6月末 )时 ,灌注固定取脑 ,以NADPH d组化法显示海马NOS阳性神经元。结果　与正常对照组相比 ,糖尿病组小鼠海马齿状回NOS阳性神经元密度显著减少 (P <0 0 1)。结论　糖尿病时NOS阳性神经元数量减少 ,NO的合成降低表明NO可能参与糖尿病中枢神经系统功能障碍     

Light microscopical study of nitric oxide synthase I-positive neurons, including fibres in the vestibular nuclear complex of the cat

Nitric oxide is a gaseous neurotransmitter that is synthesized by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase I (NOS I). At present, little is known of NOS I-positive neurons in the vestibular nuclear complex of the cat (VNCc). The aim of the present study was to examine the morphology, distribution patterns and interconnections of NOS I-positive neurons, including fibres in the VNCc. Five adult cats were used as experimental animals. All cats were anaesthetized and perfused transcardially. Brains were removed, postfixed, cut on a freezing microtome and stained in three different ways. Every third section was treated with the Nissl method, other sections were stained either histochemically for NADPH diaphorase or immunohistochemically for NOS I. The atlas of Berman (1928) was used for orientation in the morphometric study. NOS I-positive neurons and fibres were found in all parts of VNCc: medial vestibular nucleus (MVN); lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN); superior vestibular nucleus (SVN); inferior vestibular nucleus (IVN); X, Y, Z groups and Cajal's nucleus. The NOS I-positive neurons were classified according to their size (small, medium-sized, large neurons type I and type II) and their shape (oval, fusiform, triangular, pear-shaped, multipolar and irregular). In every nucleus, a specific neuronal population was observed. In SVN, a large number of interconnections between NOS I-positive neurons were identified. In MVN, chain-like rolls of small neurons were found. Tiny interconnections between MVN and mesencephalic reticular formation were present. Our data provide information on the morphology, distribution patterns and interconnections of NOS I-positive neurons in the VNCc and can be extrapolated to other mammals.     

Glomerular handling of immune complex in the acute phase of active in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis employing cationized ferritin in rats

The distribution and co-localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were examined by means of immunohistochemistry and NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry in the gut of patients with Hirschsprung's disease. In the normoganglionic segment, many nitrergic nerve cells were localized in Auerbach's plexus and nerve fibres were observed preferentially in the circular muscle. The submucosal nitrergic nerve cells were mainly situated in Schabadasch's plexus with occasional cells demonstrable in Meissner's plexus. NOS and VIP were co-localized in most ganglion cells of Auerbach's plexus. In the oligoganglionic segment, a marked reduction of NOS- and VIP- positive nerve cells and fibres was noticed in both the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, and nitrergic fibres had disappeared in the inner layer of the circular muscle. In the aganglionic segment, NOS and VIP were revealed only in extrinsic nerve fasciculi and rami and co-localized in a few fibres. From these observations, the inner layer of the circular muscle of the oligoganglionic segment and the whole of the muscularis propria of the aganglionic segment were considered to be totally lacking in nitrergic innervation. Nitrergic nerves of the human colon comprise both intrinsic and extrinsic elements and the majority of intrinsic nitrergic nerve cells contain VIP. Very low numbers of extrinsic nitrergic fibres contain VIP.     

单眼缝合、双眼缝合对猫视觉中枢中一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元数量与形态的影响

用ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ 组织化学方法观察了在生后一周内即施行单眼缝合和双眼缝合成活至１ 年的猫视觉中枢（上丘表层,外膝体和视皮层１７ 区）中的一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元数量及形态。结果显示：（１）单眼缝合或双眼缝合并不改变上丘表层中一氧化氮合酶阳性细胞的分布模式,也不影响该神经元的数量,但单眼缝合使对侧上丘表层一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元的树突野最大半径减小,树突总长度减少;而双眼缝合可使双侧上丘中一氧化氮合酶阳性细胞胞体减少,树突野最大半径以及树突总长度均明显减少。（２）单眼缝合导致外膝体非剥夺层中出现较多一氧化氮合酶阳性细胞,剥夺层少量出现,而双眼缝合却没有以上效应。（３）单眼缝合不影响视皮层１７ 区中一氧化氮合酶阳性细胞的空间分布模式以及该神经元在皮层各层中的分布密度;双眼缝合也不影响该神经元的分布模式,但可使ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ 黄递酶活性明显降低。提示视觉神经中枢中的一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元的活动受视网膜活动依赖性的调节,且受视觉经验的影响。