Dual innervation of arteries and arterioles. A histochemical study

Alcohol-Mediated Renal Sympathetic Neurolysis for the Treatment of Hypertension: The Peregrine™ Infusion Catheter

Renal sympathetic denervation using conventional non-irrigated radiofrequency catheters has potential technical shortcomings, including limited penetration depth and incomplete circumferential nerve damage, potentially impacting therapeutic efficacy. Against this background, second generation multi-electrode, radiofrequency and ultrasound renal denervation systems have been developed to provide more consistent circumferential nerve ablation. Irrigated catheters may allow deeper penetration while minimizing arterial injury. In this context, catheter-based chemical denervation, with selective infusion of alcohol, a potent neurolytic agent, into the perivascular space, may minimize endothelial, intimal and medial injury while providing circumferential neurolysis. Animal studies demonstrate pronounced renal norepinephrine level reductions and consistent renal nerve injury after perivascular alcohol infusion using the Peregrine Catheter. Early clinical studies demonstrated significant blood pressure reductions and a reasonable safety profile. Randomized sham-controlled trials (NCT03503773, NCT02910414) are underway to examine whether the aforementioned theoretical advantages of alcohol-medicated denervation with the Peregrine System™ Kit translate into clinical benefits.

Perivascular innervation: a multiplicity of roles in vasomotor control and myoendothelial signaling

The control of vascular resistance and tissue perfusion reflect coordinated changes in the diameter of feed arteries and the arteriolar networks they supply. Against a background of myogenic tone and metabolic demand, vasoactive signals originating from perivascular sympathetic and sensory nerves are integrated with endothelium-derived signals to produce vasodilation or vasoconstriction. PVNs release adrenergic, cholinergic, peptidergic, purinergic, and nitrergic neurotransmitters that lead to SMC contraction or relaxation via their actions on SMCs, ECs, or other PVNs. ECs release autacoids that can have opposing actions on SMCs. Respective cell layers are connected directly to each other through GJs at discrete sites via MEJs projecting through holes in the IEL. Whereas studies of intercellular communication in the vascular wall have centered on endothelium-derived signals that govern SMC relaxation, attention has increasingly focused on signaling from SMCs to ECs. Thus, via MEJs, neurotransmission from PVNs can evoke distinct responses from ECs subsequent to acting on SMCs. To integrate this emerging area of investigation in light of vasomotor control, the present review synthesizes current understanding of signaling events that originate within SMCs in response to perivascular neurotransmission in light of EC feedback. Although often ignored in studies of the resistance vasculature, PVNs are integral to blood flow control and can provide a physiological stimulus for myoendothelial communication. Greater understanding of these underlying signaling events and how they may be affected by aging and disease will provide new approaches for selective therapeutic interventions.

Are the precapillary sphincters and metarterioles universal components of the microcirculation? An historical review

The microcirculation is a major topic in current physiology textbooks and is frequently explained with schematics including the precapillary sphincters and metarterioles. We re-evaluated the validity and applicability of the concepts precapillary sphincters and metarterioles by reviewing the historical context in which they were developed in physiology textbooks. The studies by Zweifach up until the 1950s revealed the unique features of the mesenteric microcirculation, illustrated with impressive schematics of the microcirculation with metarterioles and precapillary sphincters. Fulton, Guyton and other authors introduced or mimicked these schematics in their physiology textbooks as representative of the microcirculation in general. However, morphological and physiological studies have revealed that the microcirculation in the other organs and tissues contains no metarterioles or precapillary sphincters. The metarterioles and precapillary sphincters were not universal components of the microcirculation in general, but unique features of the mesenteric microcirculation.

Anatomy and cholinergic innervation of the sinus paranalis in dogs

Conventional methods have been used to study the general configuration of the wall of the Sinus paranalis in dogs. Apocrine tubular glands, elastic fibres and smooth-muscle fibres are the more significant elements of the wall, together with the epithelium and connective tissue. By means of the immunohistochemical method described in this paper, the results provide histochemical evidence for the presence of an AChE-positive reaction, and supposedly cholinergic nerve fibres in the wall of the dog anal sacs, mainly associated with subepithelial smooth muscle, vessels, and glands.

Vagal modulation of epicardial coronary artery size in dogs. A two-dimensional intravascular ultrasound study

BACKGROUND

Because the role of tonic vagus nerve activity in regulating conduit coronary artery size remains undefined, we investigated the response of epicardial coronary artery size to changes in resting vagal tone resulting from vagotomy and muscarinic receptor blockade.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using intravascular ultrasound to measure left circumflex coronary artery cross-sectional area continuously, we examined the effects of vagotomy on left circumflex cross-sectional area in nine dogs. Lumen area decreased 20% from 8.70 +/- 2.81 to 6.92 +/- 1.97 mm2 after right vagotomy, 17% to 7.19 +/- 2.80 mm2 after left vagotomy (both P < .05 versus baseline), and 38% to 5.42 +/- 2.00 mm2 after bilateral vagotomy (P < .05 versus unilateral vagotomy). Vasoconstriction occurred despite increases in heart rate and an unchanged rate-pressure product. In six additional dogs, after acetylcholine (100 micrograms/kg i.v.), lumen area increased by 18%, although heart rate, blood pressure, and rate-pressure product were unchanged. Vasodilation was prevented by prior muscarinic blockade with glycopyrrolate. With glycopyrrolate administration and heart rate control by pacing, lumen area decreased by 26% (P = .011). When stellate stimulation was performed in a third group of eight dogs with heart rate, blood pressure, and rate-pressure product controlled by a combination of pacing and exsanguination, there was no change in coronary area, thus precluding reflex sympathetic activation as a contributor to the vasoconstriction produced by vagal withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

Vagus nerve activity maintains tonic dilation of the left circumflex coronary artery by muscarinic receptor activation. Each vagus nerve contributes approximately equally to the tonically dilated state. Vagotomy-induced vasoconstriction occurs independently of local metabolic factors and coronary distending pressure and is a result of cholinergic withdrawal rather than reflex sympathetic activation.

The microvasculature in skeletal muscle. VI. Adrenergic innervation of arterioles in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

A microanatomical study of the adrenergic nerve plexus on the arterioles in the spinotrapezius muscle of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats was carried out. The spinotrapezius muscle was selected since its microvasculature has been reconstructed in previous studies of this series. A modified glyoxylic acid amine densification technique was used to visualize the major portion of the microvascular nerve plexus. The nerve plexus density was quantified in the form of fiber length per unit area of vascular smooth muscle media. The adrenergic innervation was found to be limited to the arterial/arteriolar side of the microcirculation and positioned in close vicinity to vascular smooth muscle, in line with previous reports. Substantial variations of the nerve plexus density could be detected along the arterioles. Arcade arterioles show a significant reduction of the adrenergic innervation compared to that of the thoracodorsal supply artery. There was a significant elevation of the nerve plexus density at the origin of the transverse arterioles at the arcade arterioles, a site that in the past has been shown to exhibit the highest microvascular tonus in all arterioles of this organ. Distal to this site, transverse arterioles exhibit a progressive reduction of adrenergic plexus density toward their capillary endings, in line with the termination of vascular smooth muscle in these small branches. Sporadic fiber extensions were encountered leading from some of the transverse arterioles into the capillary network per se, but no regular innervation was detected in capillaries or in venules. These results suggest that the transverse arterioles may play a central role in nervous control of blood flow to the capillaries of muscle. Compared with the Wistar and Wistar-Kyoto strain, the spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibit qualitatively a similar pattern, but show quantitatively a significantly higher plexus density in the thoracodorsal artery and the arcade arterioles, a factor that may contribute to the elevated arteriolar tone.

Functional distribution of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the coronary microcirculation

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to determine the functional distribution of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the epicardial coronary microcirculation. This goal was accomplished by intracoronary administration of the selective alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine and the selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonist BHT-933 during measurements of coronary microvascular diameters in the beating heart.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Experimental measurements were made under conditions with intact vasomotor tone and during coronary hypoperfusion (i.e., under conditions with autoregulatory mechanisms intact and blunted, respectively). Administration of selective alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic antagonists, prazosin and SKF 104078, respectively, confirmed that the agonists were preferentially activating the desired adrenergic receptor subtype because the vasoconstrictor effects of the agonists were completely blocked by the appropriate antagonist. With baseline coronary vasomotor tone intact, phenylephrine caused constriction (8 +/- 3% decrease in diameter, p less than 0.05) of small coronary arteries (vessels greater than 100 microns in diameter) but did not produce constriction of coronary arterioles (vessels less than 100 microns in diameter). During coronary hypoperfusion, phenylephrine caused constriction (p less than 0.05) of both small coronary arteries and arterioles, 6 +/- 2% and 11 +/- 3% decreases in diameter, respectively. BHT-933 did not cause significant changes in microvascular diameters under control conditions but substantially and selectively decreased arteriolar diameters during hypoperfusion (24 +/- 6% decrease in diameter, p less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the intact, autoregulating coronary circulation, coronary arterioles escape from the effects of adrenergic activation but coronary arteries do not; rather, they can exhibit alpha 1-adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction. During coronary hypoperfusion, when autoregulatory adjustments are blunted, coronary arterioles are sensitive to both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic agonists, demonstrating significant constrictor responses. Also, the magnitude of coronary alpha 2-adrenergic arteriolar constriction (24% decrease in diameter) is significantly greater than that of alpha 2-adrenergic constriction (11% decrease in diameter) (p less than 0.05). Thus, alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic activation produce different constrictor effects in the coronary microcirculation under baseline conditions when autoregulatory adjustments are intact and during coronary hypoperfusion when autoregulation is blunted. The data suggest that alpha 2-adrenergic receptors are preferentially distributed in arterioles, whereas alpha 1-adrenergic receptors are located throughout the coronary microcirculation. Importantly, the data also suggest that intrinsic autoregulatory adjustments in tone (i.e., autoregulatory escape) can override either alpha 1- or alpha 2-adrenergic constriction in coronary arterioles.

Cholinergic constriction in the general circulation and its role in coronary artery spasm

The release of acetylcholine from autonomic nerves in those tissues that receive a cholinergic innervation is widely believed to dilate blood vessels. Exogenously administered acetylcholine in vivo does dilate vascular beds and produce hypotension; however, this latter effect is indirect and probably the result of liberation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) from endothelial cells. Some blood vessels contain a substantial population of medial constrictor receptors for acetylcholine, and the implications of this presence for vascular control systems has been largely ignored, although it needs to be considered. A survey of the evolution of vasomotor control systems indicates that acetylcholine serves principally as an excitatory transmitter to blood vessels. Neurally mediated cholinergic constriction and not dilation is found in fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, with responses initiated by medial muscarinic receptors. Acetylcholine constricts many vascular preparations from these lower animals, but some vessels relax, reflecting the emergence of an EDRF responsive to acetylcholine. An examination of cholinergic responses in mammalian vessels reveals that cholinergic (neurogenic) dilation is limited to a very few vascular beds and to only a few species. Both experimental evidence and evolutionary considerations support the likelihood that cholinergic (neural) constriction operates in some vascular regions in mammals and, in particular, in the coronary circulation of some species, including humans. In fact, constriction, and not dilation, may be the dominant vascular response to activation of the cholinergic axis in most mammals, including humans. The complications and contradictions introduced by the simultaneous presence of both EDRF and a cholinergic constrictor innervation involving medial muscarinic receptors are discussed. A variety of evidence is also presented that implicates cholinergic constriction in at least some instances of coronary artery spasm and sudden death.

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.

Distribution and origin of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive, acetylcholinesterase-positive and adrenergic nerves of the cerebral arteries in the bent-winged bat (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

The overall distribution and origins of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive (IR), acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive and adrenergic nerves in the walls of the cerebral arteries were investigated in the bent-winged bat. VIP-IR and AChE-positive nerves innervating the bat cerebral vasculature appear to arise mainly from VIP-IR and AChE-positive cell bodies within microganglia found in the nerve bundle accompanying the sympathetic nerve bundle within the tympanic cavity. These microganglia, as well as the nerve bundle containing them, do not emit catecholamine fluorescence, suggesting that they are of the cranial parasympathetic outflow, probably the facial or glossopharyngeal one. The axons from VIP-IR and AChE-positive microganglia run intermingled with sympathetic adrenergic nerves in the same thick fiber bundles, and reach the cranial cavity through the carotid canal. In addition, some of the VIP-IR fibers innervating the vertebro-basilar system, at least the basilar artery, originate from VIP-IR nerve cells located in the wall of this artery. The supply of VIP-IR fibers to the bat major cerebral arteries is the richest among mammals in that it is much greater in the vertebro-basilar system than in the internal carotid system: plexuses of VIP-IR nerves are particularly dense along the walls from the posterior ramus to posterior cerebral and basilar arteries. Small pial and intracerebral arteries of the vertebro-basilar system, especially those of the posterior cerebral artery which supply most parts of the diencephalon and cerebrum, are also richly innervated by peripheral VIP-IR fibers. This pattern corresponds well with the innervation pattern of adrenergic and AChE-positive nerves.

Flow control among microvessels coordinated by intercellular conduction

Optimal distribution of blood flow requires coordination of vasodilation among resistance vessels. During hyperemia, blood vessels dilate upstream from the initiating stimulus. Spreading vasodilation independent of flow changes has not been previously demonstrated. In the present study, iontophoresis of acetylcholine adjacent to single hamster cheek pouch arterioles in situ (diameter, 20 to 37 micrometers) induced a rapid bidirectional dilation that was not attenuated when blood flow was eliminated with vascular occlusion. This finding indicates that a vasodilatory stimulus is conducted along the arteriole and demonstrates the existence of a mechanism of intercellular communication that is capable of coordinating diameter changes among resistance vessels.

Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity in perivascular nerve fibres of the guinea-pig

The distribution of perivascular nerve fibres displaying neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity was studied in the guinea-pig. Generally, neuropeptide Y fibres were numerous around arteries and moderate in number around veins. In the heart, immunoreactive fibres were numerous in the auricles and the atria (epi- and endocardium) whereas the ventricles had a more scarce supply. The coronary vessels were richly supplied with fibres. Around large elastic and muscular arteries the fibres formed well developed plexuses. Small arteries in the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract and the genito-urinary tract received a particularly rich supply. In the liver, spleen and kidney only few perivascular fibres were seen. Since immunoreactive fibres around blood vessels disappeared upon surgical or chemical sympathectomy, and sequential immunostaining with antisera against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (a marker for adrenergic neurons) and against neuropeptide Y revealed their co-existence, it is concluded that neuropeptide Y fibres around blood vessels are sympathetic and adrenergic.

Histochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase in the wall of cardiac blood vessels in the baboon, dog and vervet monkey

Histochemical methods were used to demonstrate acetylcholinesterase in the wall of cardiac blood vessels in the baboon, dog and vervet monkey. To remove cholinesterase-containing sympathetic nerves, some of the animals were treated with guanethidine for four weeks prior to being sacrificed. In cardiac muscle from the dog and the vervet monkey, cholinergic nerves were histochemically visualized in both small and large vessels. On the other hand, in cardiac muscle from baboons, cholinergic nerves were not seen in branches of the coronary artery with diameters between 0.6 mm to 1 mm and very few fibres were seen around smaller vessels of diameter less than 0.3 mm. The few fibres seen did not appear to penetrate the media of the vessels. These results support physiological findings that the baboon coronary vasculature is not innervated by parasympathetic cholinergic nerves.

A histochemical study on the innervation of the cerebral blood vessels in bats

The adrenergic and cholinergic nerves innervating the cerebral blood vessels of four species of Japanese chiropterids (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Murina leucogaster, Vespertilio superans and Miniopterus schreibersi) have been investigated using specific histochemical techniques. In all these species of bats arteries of the internal carotid system are poorly developed, whereas those of the vertebro-basilar system are well developed. The adrenergic and cholinergic nerves innervating these cerebral arteries, however, all originate from the stem nerve bundles entering the cranial cavity along the internal carotid artery. Both nerve plexuses are among the densest of any vertebrate species so far investigated. Adrenergic nerve plexuses are usually composed of complicated meshworks of fine fibres, while cholinergic ones are composed of rather longitudinally arranging meshworks of both thick and thin fibres, exhibiting a very high acetylcholinesterase activity. Small parenchymal arteries and arterioles are also dually innervated by adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres of peripheral origin. Intracerebral capillaries, on the other hand, are in several places directly connected with both adrenergic and cholinergic fibres of parenchymal origin. Capillaries in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, diencephalon and cochlear nucleus in v. superans exhibit a heavy non-nervous acetylcholinesterase activity in their walls, but in R. ferrumequinum and M. schreibersi, the response is weak or negative, except for that in the cochlear nucleus.

Cholesterol potentiates the coronary artery response to norepinephrine in anesthetized and conscious dogs

We investigated the effect of hypercholesterolemia on coronary and cardiac hemodynamic responses to intracoronary norepinephrine (NE) (0.01 to 10.0 micrograms/min as the bitartrate) in a Gregg cannula autoperfusion system. Coronary blood flow was measured by the radioactive microsphere technique in two groups of open-chest dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital: 10 controls and 8 that were fed a cholesterol-rich diet (CD) which doubled the serum cholesterol level. In the control dogs, NE in doses of 0.01 to 1.0 micrograms/min had no effect on coronary vascular resistance (CVR) but 10 micrograms/min caused a significant decrease to 0.58 +/- 0.12 of control. In the CD dogs, NE at doses of 1.0 and 10.0 micrograms/min significantly reduced CVR, to 0.72 +/- 0.06 and 0.52 +/- 0.11 of control, respectively. There was no consistent effect of NE, at these doses, on myocardial oxygen uptake, left ventricular stroke work index, or maximal positive dP/dt. In a second series of experiments we measured coronary flow with electromagnetic flowmeters in 11 chronically instrumented conscious dogs, 5 controls, and 6 CD. In the control dogs, intravenously administered NE hydrochloride, 0.01 microgram/min, reduced CVR to 0.74 +/- 0.07 of control, and 1.0 microgram/min increased CVR to 1.26 +/- 0.09 of control. In the CD animals, these effects were seen at a 10-fold lower NE dose, 0.001 microgram/min (0.83 +/- 0.11 of control) and 0.1 microgram/min (1.32 +/- 0.06 of control). The vasodilation was blocked by propranolol, and vasoconstriction by phentolamine. We conclude that NE at low doses activates beta-adrenoreceptors to reduce CVR and at higher doses activates alpha-adrenoreceptors to increase CVR; the vasoconstrictor response is inhibited in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, and hypercholesterolemia sensitizes coronary vessels to both the dilator and constrictor effects of NE.

A histochemical study of the innervation of the cerebral blood vessels in the domestic fowl

Adrenergic and cholinergic nerves innervating the cerebral arteries of the domestic fowl were examined by specific histochemical techniques. The adrenergic nerve plexuses of the cerebral carotid system are markedly denser than those of other vertebrates observed by similar techniques. They form longitudinally elongated meshworks of fine fibres in the vascular wall of the arterial branches. Those innervating the vertebro-basilar system are less dense and more elongated, and, as the size of the artery diminishes, the fibres of the plexus become coarser. In the small pial and parenchymal arteries they are reduced to a few fibres running parallel to, or spiralling around the vascular axis. The cholinergic nerve plexuses are not as dense as the adrenergic system. The acetylcholinesterase activity is very weak, except in the plexuses innervating the cerebral carotid artery and proximal portion of the anterior and posterior rami. In the vertebro-basilar system, a few thick nerve bundles run alongside the blood vessels of the vertebral and basilar arteries. Cholinergic nerves enter the cranial cavity along the internal carotid, the vertebral and possibly the cerebroethmoidal arteries. Intracerebral capillaries and some arterioles are not innervated with cholinergic and adrenergic fibres of peripheral origin, but with ones arising from parenchymal nerve cells.

A histochemical study on the innervation of cerebral blood vessels in the bullfrog

Specific histochemical techniques for the demonstration of catecholamine and acetylcholinesterase have been used to study the distribution of adrenergic and cholinergic nerves on the cerebral blood vessels of bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. The adrenergic nerve meshworks on the cerebral arteries of bullfrog were less dense, had a more elongate appearance along the arterial axis as compared with those of mammals and were rather similar to those of snakes. The nerve plexuses on the cerebral carotid artery and its main branches were somewhat denser than those on the basilar artery. The most characteristic feature of innervation in the bullfrog cerebral vessels was that no acetylcholinesterase-positive fibres were observed on the extraparenchymal arteries, whereas, in all higher vertebrates investigated so far, the cerebral arteries have been found to be dually innervated although differences in the density of innervation of the two nerves may exist. This suggests that the peripheral adrenergic innervation on the cerebral blood vessels appeared earlier than the cholinergic one in the evolution of vertebrates. On the other hand, both adrenergic and acetylcholinesterase-positive fibres were observed in close contact with parenchymal arterioles and capillaries suggesting the possible existence of a dual central innervation. This feature, however, was by no means common. Thus, the central neurons have a significant influence on the cerebral circulation in the bullfrog is somewhat equivocal. Most of the pial and the parenchymal small vessels and the parenchymal capillaries exhibited a heavy acetylcholinesterase activity on the vascular walls. Although the significance of the enzyme is obscure as yet, this has to be considered in relation to the regulatory mechanism of the cerebral circulation.

Cholinergic nerves in blood vessels of the female reproductive system

Cholinergic innervation of the blood vessels of the female reproductive system was investigated in human by the cholinesterase method. The following results were obtained: 1. The uterine and vaginal arteries are provided with a rich cholinergic innervation. 2. The ovarian, tubaric and ovarian-uterine artery are poorly innervated. 3. The ovarian and uterine vein are not provided with a cholinergic innervation.

A histochemical study of the innervation of cerebral blood vessels in the turtle

Specific histochemical techniques for the demonstration of noradrenaline and of acetylcholinesterase have been used to study the distribution of adrenergic and cholinergic nerves to the cerebral blood vessels of turtle, Geoclemys reevesii. The major and medium-sized cerebral arteries were supplied with dense adrenergic nerve plexuses, the plexuses were particularly dense in the medium-sized pial arteries of very thick vascular wall, indicating the functional significance of these arteries in the cerebral circulation. The parenchymal arterioles and capillaries were also supplied with adrenergic nerves. On the other hand, the cholinergic innervation was less dense than the adrenergic one and the acetylcholinesterase activity of the nerve fibres was remarkably weak. By contrast, the parenchymal small arterioles and capillaries exhibited heavy acetylcholinesterase activity on the vascular wall and, in addition, the capillaries were supplied with the well-stained acetylcholinesterase-positive nerve fibres. These fibres and also the adrenergic fibres associating with the capillaries appear to be of central origin. It is suggested that the cholinergic mechanisms in the parenchymal small vessels also play an important role in the cerebral circulation. The basophil leucocytes observed abundantly in the blood of turtle emitted an intensive greenish yellow fluorescence after formaldehyde gas-treatment.

Innervation of the rat Harderian gland by adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres

The innervation of the rat Harderian gland was studied using histochemical methods for catecholamines and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Selective denervations were performed to investigate the neural connections of this gland with various ganglia. Light microscopically the AChE-positive nerves seemed to run as thick bundles in the intertubular connective tissue. These bundles sent finer branches around the acini. The blood vessels, localized in the connective tissue septa, were surrounded by a dense plexus of AChE-containing fibres. By electron microscopy, the AChE-positive fibres were seen to terminate near the myoepithelial cells surrounding secretory cells. These fibres were also observed in contact with the blood vessels and occasionally close to the secretory cells. Fluorescent adrenergic nerves surrounded the blood vessels. Some fibres were also observed in the interlobular tissue. All the AChE-containing nerves degenerated after cutting the zygomatic nerve. On the other hand, removal of the ciliary ganglion or the superior cervical ganglion, or stereotactic coagulation of the ophthalmic nerve did not affect these nerves. The fluorescent adrenergic fibres disappeared following both removal of the superior cervical ganglion and coagulation of the ophthalmic nerve. These fibres were intact after removal of the ciliary ganglion.

Lingual blood flow and its hypothalamic control in the dog during panting

1. The effects of increased ambient temperature (Ta) on blood-flow and -temperatures of the tongue were studied in the unanaesthetized dog. At Ta of 20 degrees C and a relative humidity (rh) of 30% the mean lingual blood flow was 11 ml-min-1 (0.15 ml-g-1-min-1) and the temperature difference between the lingual artery and vein (deltaTLAV) was 1.0 degrees C. Accordingly, a heat loss of 48.6 J-min-1 was calculated even for the dog breathing with the mouth closed. When Ta was elevated to 38 degrees C at constant rh, panting ensued. In parallel fashion lingual blood flow increased to 60.4 ml-min-1 (0.81 ml-g-1-min-1) in mean and to 74.7 ml-min-1 (0.99 ml-g-1-min-1) at peak rate of thermal tachypnoea (272 breaths-min-1). This flow increase resulted from a decrease in the local vascular resistance since the driving systemic pressure remained constant. It was accompanied by an increase in TLAV to 1.5 degrees C equivalent to a heat loss of 400.7J-min-1 in mean and 496.2J-min-1 at maximum respiratory rate. 2. The preoptic/anterior hypothalamic (PO/AH) region was heated with a water perfused thermode in urethane anaesthetized dogs at constant body temperature in order to study the relationship in time between the increase in lingual blood flow and the onset of thermal panting. Lingual blood flow was found to be 20 ml-min-1 at a respiratory rate of 60 breaths/min. During hypothalamic heating both respiratory rate and lingual blood flow increased markedly. At maximum respiratory rates (244 breaths-min-1) lingual blood flow reached a level of 60 ml-min-1. When perfusion of the thermode was stopped, both respiratory rate and lingual blood flow synchronously returned to control values within 5 min. Similar changes did not occur in dogs in which a ventilatory response failed to be elicited during hypothalamic heating. 3. The results suggest that the tongue contributes to the evaporative heat loss mechanism and they confirm the concept that panting, associated with increased lingual blood flow, is induced by a common autonomic outflow pattern which is mediated by the central mechanism controlling thermal homeostasis.