Colocalization of SOM and NOS in the neurons of raphe nuclei innervating the pharyngeal muscles in the rats: PRV,SOM and NADPH d triplelabelingstudy

Objective: To investigate the colocalization of Somatostatin (SOM ) and NADPH--diaphorase (NADPHd ) of the neurons in raphe nuclei innervating pharyngeal muscles in the rats. Methods: After PRV was injected into the pharyngeal muscles. PRV and SOM immunofluorescence double labeling procedure was completed at first,then proceeded NADPH -d histochemistry. Results: PRV and SOM double--labled cells were present mainly in the nucleus raphe magnus. but some PRV and SOM double labled neurons were found in the other raphe nuclei as well, such as nucleus raphe pallidus. nucleus raphe obsurus, median raphe nucleus and dorsal raphe nucleus.NADPH -d positive neurons were also observed in the raphe nuclei. PRV. SOM and NADPH-d triple labeling neurons were found in the nucleus raphe magnus. Conclusion: It is suggested that the colocalization of SOM and NADPH--d of the neurons in the raphe nuclei innervating pharyngeal muscles may play an important role in the coordination of the pharyngeal motility.