Intramural distribution of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers innervating arterioles of the hamster cheek pouch

Electron microscopic, autoradiographic and histochemical techniques were used to determine the distribution of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers within the walls of arterioles having a width of 35 to 60 μ in the hamster cheek pouch. Nerves were confined to the adventitia and their varicose regions were distributed so that 86% were located within 1 μ of the media. Arterioles exposed to ³H-norepinephrine and examined by light microscopic autoradiography exhibited several sites of silver grain accumulation, as a result of the uptake of ³H-norepinephrine by adrenergic nerve fibers. In electron autoradiographs, approximately 70% of all adventitial nerve fibers exhibited silver grains and are therefore considered to be noradrenergic. The majority of all nerve-associated silver grains were located near the adventitial-medial junction. Smooth muscle cells sometimes possessed concentrations of silver grains above background levels, perhaps reflecting the capacity of these cells to take up norepinephrine. Acetylcholinesterase activity was demonstrated in 16 to 44% of the adventitial nerve fibers and they are presumed to be cholinergic. Acetylcholinesterase-stained fibers were distributed throughout the adventitia with 43% being located closer than 1 μ to the media. The morphological identification of a dual adrenergic and cholinergic innervation of arterioles of the hamster cheek pouch indicates the probable presence of an active as opposed to a passive vasodilatory mechanism.     

Origin and course of nerves immunoreactive for calcitonin gene-related peptide surrounding the femoral artery in rat

Appreciation of anatomic relationships between perivascular nerve fibers and blood vessels is essential in reconstructive surgery. We examined the origin and neural connections of perivascular nerve fibers containing calcitonin gene-related peptide surrounding the femoral artery that regulate vascular tone. We used immunohistochemistry, denervation, and retrograde labeling methods. Peptide-immunoreactive fibers surrounding the femoral artery formed a complex network, with numerous small fibers extending from nerve fiber bundles located in the perivascular connective tissue. In middle and distal arterial segments, these fibers originated from the femoral nerve, the arterys main accompanying nerve. More proximally, fibers arose from the genitofemoral nerve and sympathetic nerves. Nerve branches terminating in various arterial segments had origins corresponding to those of somatic sensory nerve fibers, although pathways innervating the femoral artery took different courses.     

股神经阻滞的应用解剖学定位研究

目的　为股神经阻滞的定位提供解剖学基础。 方法　①新鲜成人尸体5具, 行羧甲基纤维素/氧化铅水凝胶行一次性全身动脉造影,CT扫描与三维重建。②乳胶灌注标本5具,层次解剖股前内侧区,重点观测股三角内股动脉及其主要分支与股神经的位置关系。 结果　与股神经阻滞相关的结构位于腹股沟韧带与经股骨大转子的平行线之间,两直线间的距离为(5.8±1.6)cm。股深动脉恰于平行线水平与股神经相交(85%)。 结论　①股神经阻滞的安全区域位于腹股沟韧带与其平行线之间;②直接体绘制方法可用于对血管及其它器官定位的基础研究。     

Parasympathetic innervation of cutaneous blood vessels by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive and acetylcholinesterase-positive nerves: histochemical and experimental study on rat lower lip

The distribution and origin of perivascular acetylcholinesterase-active and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive nerve fibers were studied in the rat lower lip by means of acetylcholinesterase histochemistry and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunohistochemistry. The perivascular nerve fibers stained intensely with both histochemical techniques and were widely distributed on small arteries and arterioles of the lower lip, especially in the transitional zone between the hairy skin and the mucous membrane. The distributions of the two types of fibers were very similar and most of them showed overlapping coloration, on consecutive staining for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and acetylcholinesterase. Both acetylcholinesterase-positive and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive fibers were completely lost on removal of the otic ganglion, while they were not affected by sympathetic ganglion removal or sensory nerve sectioning. In the otic ganglion, most cells exhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, and about 60% of the cells showed light to heavy vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity. These findings indicate that vessels in the rat lip are innervated by parasympathetic fibers originating from the otic ganglion and support the view that vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is present in cholinergic neurons. This may suggest the possible control by the parasympathetic nervous system of cutaneous blood vessels through vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing cholinergic neurons, in general or at least in the facial area.     

The autonomic innervation of the human greater saphenous vein

The existence of a double catecholaminergic and cholinergic innervation was demonstrated in the human greater saphenous vein. Catecholamine-containing nerve fibres are organized in a network-like plexus localized at the adventitial-medial border. Acetylcholinesterase-containing nerve fibres are arranged in a plexus found at the adventitial-medial border as well. Catecholamine and acetylcholinesterase-containing nerve fibres, while localized in close apposition since they occupy the same portion of the vein, represent two distinct and independent populations of nerve fibres coming likely from the sympathetic and parasympathetic sections of the autonomic nervous system respectively. Our findings demonstrating a close relationship between catecholaminergic and cholinergic nerve fibres within the wall of the human greater saphenous vein offer morphological support to physiological and pharmacological results reported in the literature of a presynaptic control exerted by cholinergic nerves on norepinephrine release at the level of the saphenous vein.     

Effects of Myocardial Infarction on Adrenergic Nerves of the Rat Heart Muscle,a Histochemical Study

The anterior branch of the left coronary artery of the rat heart was ligated and the effects of anoxia on adrenergic nerves were studied histochemically using formaldehyde-induced fluorescence for localization of norepinephrine. Greenish catecholamine fluorescence was associated in the normal or infarcted myocardium only with adrenergic nerves. Constant but not prominent changes were seen in adrenergic nerve fibers 2 or 4 h after ligation of the coronary artery; the number of delicate adrenergic fibers was reduced and some diffusion of the histochemical reaction was seen in small areas of the infarcted myocardium. Strong effects of anoxia were seen 8 h or more after ligation of the coronary artery. These were characterized by a prominent diffusion of the histochemical reaction and gradual disappearance of adrenergic structures in 2 to 4 days of anoxia. During the healing phase the appearance of numerous adrenergic nerve fibers was closely connected with the ingrowth of a new vascular bed into the infarction area. The observations indicate that adrenergic nervous structures of the myocardium resist the effects of anoxia, which may indicate the viability of sympathetic nerves in the infarcted area during long periods of anoxia.     

Effects of myocardial infarction on adrenergic nerves of the rat heart muscle, a histochemical study.

The anterior branch of the left coronary artery of the rat heart was ligated and the effects of anoxia on adrenergic nerves were studied histochemically using formaldehyde-induced fluorescence for localization of norepinephrine. Greenish catecholamine fluorescence was associated in the normal or infarcted myocardium only with adrenergic nerves. Constant but not prominent changes were seen in adrenergic nerve fibers 2 or 4 h after ligation of the coronary artery; the number of dilicate adrenergic fibers was reduced and some diffusion of the histochemical reaction was seen in small areas of the infarcted myocardium. Strong effects of anoxia were seen 8 h or more after ligation of the coronary artery. These were characterized by a prominent diffusion of the histochemical reaction and gradual disappearance of adrenergic structures in 2 to 4 days of anoxia. During the healing phase the appearance of numerous adrenergic nerve fibers was closely connected with the ingrowth of a new vascular bed into the infarction area. The observations indicate that adrenergic nervous structures of the myocardium resist the effects of anoxia, which may indicate the viability of sympathetic nerves in the infarcted area during long periods of anoxia.     

大鼠胸腺的神经分布—银染色和乙酰胆碱酯酶组织化学的研究

用银染色法和乙酰碱酯酶组织化学法，观察大鼠胸腺的神经纤维分布，银染色法显示。在胸腺髓质中神经纤维构成复杂的网络状结构，在胸腺皮质和髓质中，均存在ＡＣｈＥ阳性神经纤维，其分支终止或环绕于胸腺细胞的附近。此外，ＡＣｈＥ阳性神经纤维与肥大细胞可形成紧密邻接。有些肥大细胞含有ＡＣｈＥ阳性反应物。作者认为，胸腺皮质和髓质都接受副交感的胆碱能神经纤维的支配，后者对胸腺细胞和肥大细胞等可能起调节作用。     

股神经和闭孔神经肌支转位的解剖学测量和神经纤维定量

目的　探索股神经肌支转位修复闭孔神经损伤与闭孔神经肌支修复股神经损伤的应用解剖。 方法　游标卡尺测量20具成人尸体股神经和闭孔神经肌支的长度;6具死亡3~10 h内尸体,其股神经和闭孔神经的肌支经Karnovsky-Roots法染色后,图像分析仪测量它们的横切面积和神经纤维数量。 结果　股神经肌支中股内侧肌长支最长,近端横断面积最大;闭孔神经肌支中股薄肌支最长,大收肌支近端横切面积最大。每条肌支内均以躯体运动纤维含量最高,股神经肌支中股内侧肌长支躯体运动纤维数量最多,而闭孔神经肌支中大收肌支最多,其次是股薄肌支。各肌支中γ-薄髓神经纤维的含量,股神经的肌支中以股内侧肌短支和股直肌支较高;而闭孔神经肌支中短收肌支含量最高。 结论　基于各肌支长度、近端横断面积和神经纤维数量的综合考虑,股神经和闭孔神经损伤修复中,股内侧肌长支和股薄肌支宜为供体神经;股内侧肌短支和股直肌支以及大收肌支宜为受体神经。     

Regional distribution of cholinergic nerves in rat parietal pericardium

The innervation pattern of parietal pericardium was studied in normal as well as chemically sympathectomized rats using the cholinesterase histochemical method. The existence of important regional variations in the distribution of cholinergic nerves within various portions of parietal pericardium studied was observed. The atria appear more richly innervated than ventricles, while the innervation of atria is characterized by the existence of thin and thick cholinergic nerve fibers not organized in plexuses and of elbow-shaped acetylcholinesterase cholinergic nerve fibers. Small blood vessels and islands of adipocytes receive a cholinergic innervation as well. The chemical sympathectomy does not alter the pattern of stained cholinergic nerve fibers. A possible afferent significance of the atrial innervation is discussed.     

Ultrastructural pattern of acetylcholinesterase distribution in the cerebellar cortex of the quail

Summary The ultrastructural localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was studied in the cerebellar cortex of the quail by means of histochemical methods. The greater amount of AChE was detected at level of the molecular layer in the intercellular spaces between parallel fibers and between parallel fibers and dendritic terminals. Many neurons showed intracellular localization of enzyme activity: the AChE positive neurons were all Golgi cells, most stellate and basket cells and different aliquots of Purkinje and granule cells. The enzymatic activity was usually localized in the cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum, in the nuclear envelope (but this last localization was not present in Purkinje cells) and sometimes in the Golgi apparatus; reaction granules were usually scarce in the different dendritic branches ramifying in the molecular layer. On the basis of the ultrastructural pattern of AChE distribution, some considerations are developed on the methodological aspects concerning the reliability of histochemical methods, the differences recorded at light and electron microscope level, the problems related to extracellular localization of enzyme, the difficulty of establishing a precise correlation between AChE localization in a cerebellar neuron and its possible cholinergic and/or cholonoceptive nature.     

Identification of the origin of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers within the superior hypogastric plexus of the human fetus

Nerve fibers contributing to the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) and the hypogastric nerves (HN) are currently considered to comprise an adrenergic part of the autonomic nervous system located between vertebrae (T1 and L2), with cholinergic aspects originating from the second to fourth sacral spinal segments (S2, S3 and S4). The aim of this study was to identify the origin and the nature of the nerve fibers within the SHP and the HN, especially the cholinergic fibers, using computer-assisted anatomic dissection (CAAD). Serial histological sections were performed at the level of the lumbar spine and pelvis in five human fetuses between 14 and 30 weeks of gestation. Sections were treated with histological staining [hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson''s trichrome (TriM)] and with immunohistochemical methods to detect nerve fibers (anti-S100), adrenergic fibers (anti-TH), cholinergic fibers (anti-VAChT) and nitrergic fibers (anti-nNOS). The sections were then digitalized using a high-resolution scanner and the 3D images were reconstructed using winsurf software. These experiments revealed the coexistence of adrenergic and cholinergic fibers within the SHP and the HNs. One-third of these cholinergic fibers were nitrergic fibers [anti-VACHT (+)/anti-NOS (+)] and potentially pro-erectile, while the others were non-nitrergic [anti-VACHT (+)/anti-NOS (−)]. We found these cholinergic fibers arose from the lumbar nerve roots. This study described the nature of the SHP nerve fibers which gives a better understanding of the urinary and sexual dysfunctions after surgical injuries.     

Innervation pattern of inferior vena cava in mouse and rat

Summary The innervation pattern of rat and mouse inferior vena cava was studied using catecholamine fluorescence and cholinesterase histochemical methods.Adrenergic nerve fibers innervate only abdominal protions of the inferior vena cava, while cholinergic nerves are chiefly distributed to the thoracic inferior vena cava and show a gradual decrease in the abdomen.Chemical sympathectomy performed with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine does not alter the pattern of cholinergic innervation of the inferior vena cava, suggesting the parasympathetic nature of cholinergic nerves.     

Innervation distribution pattern,nerve ending structure,and fiber types in pigeon skeletal muscle

Four fiber types have been characterized in different pigeon skeletal muscles according to their innervation pattern (nerve ending structure and innervation distribution) and histochemical properties (SDH and m-ATPase activities). All fast fibers, types IIA and IIB, present aggregated distribution of their nerve endings with “en plaque” structures and very low innervation frequencies. The two kinds of slow fibers recognized are multiple innervated and present higher innervation frequencies. However, type I fibers have nerve terminals in small knobs with uniform localization, whereas type III fibers present “en grappe” nerve endings, which tend to be randomly distributed. Fiber type composition of skeletal muscles has been found closely related to their biomechanical function. Fast fibers are predominant in muscles with an active role in locomotive movements, whereas slow fibers are mainly or exclusively located in postural muscles. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

A histochemical study of the cholinesterase activity of the nerve cells and conducting system of the heart

Summary The localization and the degree of activity of the specific cholinesterase was studied in the Purkinje fibers of the bundle of His of the cardiac conductive system, as well as in the nerve structures of the interventricular septum in sheep, hogs and oxen.G. Koelle's method was used for the detection of the specific cholinesterase. It was established that Purkinje's fibers are richly innervated. The cholinergic nerve fibers form a continuous network and possess a high cholinesterasic activity. The Purkinje's fibers themselves remain negative with relation to the specific cholinesterase. Interventricular cardiac septum, especially in its upper third contains numerous delicate nerve fibers with a low cholinesterase activity. The intramural nerve ganglia consist of the nerve cells with a different degree of cholinesterase activity, which is usually high. The groups of nerve cells in the myocardium are usually localized around the small and large blood vessels.Presented by Active Member of the AMN SSSR V. V. Zakusov     

豚鼠窦房结动脉及其含NOS和NPY能神经的形态学观察

目的：观察豚鼠窦房结动脉及其受一氧化氮能和神经肽Y能神经支配的形态学特征。方法：一氧化氮合酶组织化学和免疫组织化学染色分别标记含NOS、NPY能神经。结果：10例窦房结动脉位于窦房结边缘，2例贯穿窦房结实质，管径相对较粗，管壁层次完整，周围细胞分布与其不密切；含NOS、NPY能阳性神经纤维呈串珠状、网状攀附于窦房结动脉血管壁。结论：豚鼠窦房结动脉多数位于其边缘并受丰富的NOS和NPY能神经支配，对调节窦房结血液供应可能有重要作用。     

The state of the peripheral nervous structures of the hind limb of the rabbit during development of a collateral circulation

Summary Circulatory disturbances resulting from excision of the femoral artery in rabbits causes changes in the nerve structures of the muscles and fascia. Experiments staged on 25 rabbits demonstrated that the most pronounced changes in the nerve fibers and motor endings were observed in the anterior group of the femoral muscles. These are accompanied by proliferative-destructive changes in the receptor structures and medullated nerve fibers in the fascia lata of the femur. Restoration of the normal peripheral nerve structure follows development of collateral circulation, which begins to convey blood to the peripheral portions of the extremity.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR V. V. Parin) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 56, No. 10, pp. 110–113, October, 1963     

前列腺周围盆筋膜内神经网尸体解剖的分布特征

目的 探讨位于前列腺及其周围区域盆筋膜层内的神经网络较确切解剖定位和神经纤维的数目分布。方法 使用6具盆腔结构正常的男性尸体,每具尸体取10处邻近前列腺周围的盆筋膜组织样本,每个样本 1 cm×1 cm大小,按时钟的点位编号并分区。分布如下：前列腺尖部（与膜部尿道交界）区域：1区1点钟,2区11点钟;前列腺中部区域：3区2点钟（右侧骨盆侧面）,4区10点钟（左侧骨盆侧面）,5区4点钟,6区8点钟;前列腺基底部（与膀胱颈交界）：7区5点钟,8区7点钟;9区（位于前列腺尖部尿道后背侧）6点钟,10区（位于前列腺基底部腹侧）12点钟。比较这10个解剖区域单位面积（1 cm²）内的神经数目和直径大小。结果 共获得60个盆筋膜组织样本。神经数目平均为（13.4 ± 13.3）束。前列腺基底腹侧12点钟10区（平均5.3束）与前列腺中部8点钟侧6区（平均9.8束）神经数目分布较少,两区之间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;10区与其他8个区均有统计学差异（P<0.05）;剩余各区之间分布均衡（P>0.05）。神经纤维直径平均为（90.4 ± 61.8）μm。前列腺尖部1点钟1区（平均119.2 μm）和中部2点钟3区（平均101.3 μm）神经纤维较粗, 1区与中部10点钟4区（平均77.7 μm）、尖部背侧6点钟9区（平均81.1 μm）、基底部腹侧12点钟10区（平均79.4 μm）之间差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;4区（平均77.7 μm）与对侧2点钟3区之间（平均101.3 μm）差异也有统计学意义（P<0.05）;其他各区之间分布均衡（P>0.05）。结论 前列腺周围盆筋膜内神经网分布表现为在前列腺基底部（与膀胱颈交界）腹侧12点钟区域神经纤维数目较少,其他区域均匀分布;神经纤维直径在尖部腹侧区域朝向顶点较粗,左右不对称分布。骨盆筋膜是根治性前列腺切除术中保留神经的关键性解剖标志。     

Dual innervation of the mammalian urinary bladder A histochemical study of the distribution of cholinergic and adrenergic nerves

The pattern of autonomic innervation of the urinary bladder was studied in the cat, dog, rabbit and rat, using specific histochemical technics for acetylcholinesterase and norepinephrine. Cholinergic and adrenergic ganglion cells exist in all layers throughout the bladder wall. Large cholinergic and adrenergic nerve trunks coursing in the adventitial coat and deep lamina propria branch into the muscularis. The terminal cholinergic ramifications form a neuroterminal plexus which surrounds every smooth muscle cell in the bladder wall. The terminal adrenergic fibers are less abundant, do not form a plexus, and show regional variations in number at different levels and depths of the muscularis. These variations suggest that two regions of the bladder, namely the base and body, may be distinguished on the basis of differences in muscular innervation. In the lamina propria cholinergic and adrenergic nerves are grouped as deep and superficial subepithelial nerves. The latter form networks of variable complexity and supply fibers to the epithelium. Throughout the bladder wall, the blood vessels have a dual cholinergic and adrenergic perivascular plexus from which fibers extend into the media. Although the basic pattern of innervation is similar in the species studied, certain variations exist in the relative abundance and arrangement of epithelial and subepithelial nerves. The muscularis has a uniform cholinergic and a variable adrenergic innervation in different species.