Door to thrombolysis: ER reorganization and reduced delays to acute stroke treatment

The authors reorganized the emergency room (ER) by moving CT to the ER and streamlining triage by prenotification by emergency medical services (EMS), which reduced in-hospital delays and enhanced access to stroke thrombolysis. CT delay dropped from 1 hour 3 minutes +/- 14 minutes in 1999 to 7 +/- 2 minutes in 2004 (p < 0.0001). Door-to-needle time dropped from 1 hour 28 minutes +/- 7 minutes to 50 +/- 3 minutes (p < 0.001), while symptom-to-needle time dropped from 2 hours 44 minutes +/- 6 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes +/- 4 minutes (p < 0.0001). From 23 patients in 1999, thrombolysis access was increased to 100 patients in 2004 and 183 patients in 2005.

Differential expression of laminin chains and their integrin receptors in human gastric mucosa

The proliferating cells of the gastric mucosa are found among the pit and mucous neck cells. These cells migrate upward to renew the surface epithelium and downward to restitute the glandular cells. As the epithelial basement membranes (BMs) function as substrate for cell adhesion and migration as well as signals for their differentiation, we studied, by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, the distribution of different laminin chains and their integrin receptors in adult human stomach. The immunoreactivity for laminin alpha 2 chain localized to the BMs of glands and the lower parts of the gastric pits whereas the laminin alpha 3 chain (laminin-5/kalinin) immunoreactivity was strictly confined to BMs underneath the surface epithelium and the upper parts of the pits. Proliferating mucosal epithelial cells, identified by Ki-67 antibodies, were confined to the areas containing both alpha 2 and alpha 3 laminin chains. The alpha 1, beta 1, and gamma 1 laminin chains were found in all BMs of the mucosa whereas the beta 2 chain was prominent in mucosal blood vessels and also detectable in some glands. Among the laminin integrin receptors, the alpha 3 and beta 4 subunits were seen to be expressed in cells along the BMs with the alpha 3 laminin chain. The alpha 6 integrin, on the other hand, was seen in all gastric epithelia. The present results demonstrate that in the adult human stomach laminin alpha 2 and alpha 3 chains show zonal distribution in BM underlying gastric mucosal epithelium whereas other laminin chains show a more general distribution.

5-Hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the rat and porcine prevertebral sympathetic ganglia: effect of precursor loading and relation to catecholaminergic neurons

Localization of 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity was studied in the rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex and in the porcine superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. In normal rats, only 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactive SIF cells were seen in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex. In the rats, pretreated with a 5-hydroxytryptamine precursor, L-tryptophan, and with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, nialamide, a large number of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive nerve fiber terminals were detected. In normal porcine superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia, intense 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity was found in numerous nerve fibers which were located around tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive principal neurons. The origin and function of these fibers are discussed.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nature of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the major salivary glands of the rat

The distribution and origin of neuropeptide Y in the major salivary glands of the rat was studied by indirect immunofluorescence technique. Numerous nerve fibres immunoreactive for the peptide were seen in the parotid and sublingual glands. Most of the fibres were located around blood vessels and salivary acini. In the submandibular gland the number of immunoreactive nerve fibres around the acini was lower in comparison with that in the parotid and sublingual glands. Some immunoreactive nerve fibres were also found around or along intra- and interlobular ducts in all major salivary glands. A large number of the neuropeptide-containing neuronal cell bodies and nerve fibres were detected in the sympathetic superior cervical ganglion. Sympathetic postganglionic nerve trunks of this ganglion contained numerous immunoreactive nerve fibres as well. A subpopulation of the neuronal cell bodies in the submandibular ganglion were immunoreactive to neuropeptide Y. Both uni- and bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomies caused a significant decrease in the number of immunoreactive nerve fibres around the blood vessels in all the major salivary glands. However, these denervations did not affect the density of nerve fibres around the acini and ducts. On the contrary, unilateral parasympathetic denervation by sectioning the auriculotemporal nerve reduced the fibres around the secretory acini in the parotid gland remarkably, while only a minor reduction in the density of immunoreactive fibres associated with the blood vessels of the gland was detected. Unilateral electrocoagulation of the trigeminal nerve branches caused no detectable change in the density of immunoreactive nerve fibres in any of the major salivary glands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunohistochemical localization of neuropeptides in the porcine thoraco-lumbar paravertebral ganglia

The existence and distribution pattern of neuropeptide Y, Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P and bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide in the neuronal elements of the thoracolumbar paravertebral ganglia (T4-L6) were studied immunohistochemically in sexually immature female pigs. Subpopulations of nerve cell bodies containing immunoreactivity to neuropeptide Y, Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide were described. However, neurons were non-immunoreactive for substance P and bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide. The solitary small intensely fluorescent cells contain calcitonin gene-related peptide-, substance P- and Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-, whereas the some cells in clusters contained only substance P and only substance P and Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8. Immunoreactivities to all studied peptides occurred in the nerve fibres within investigated ganglia. Additionally the number of nerve fibres containing particular peptides as well as their distribution pattern were found to vary. The results of this study were compared with those of previous investigations in other species.

Effect of vagotomy on expression of neuropeptides and histamine in rat oxyntic mucosa

The effect of vagotomy and pyloroplasty on the density of nerve fibers containing bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and galanin as well as histamine-, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-, and somatostatin-containing cells in the oxyntic mucosa of the rat stomach was studied. Ten days after vagotomy and pyloroplasty the density of histamine-containing cells in the oxyntic mucosa was increased by 70% (P < 0.05), and these cells were larger and showed more extensive cell processes than in control animals. The density of 5-HT-immunoreactive (IR) cells and somatostatin-IR cells were not affected. A marked decrease in the density of CGRP-IR nerve fibers and a slighter decrease in the density of GRP-IR nerve fibers was observed in the mucosal layer, while only a minor reduction of CGRP-IR fibers, and no reduction of GRP-IR fibers was seen in the muscular layer. The density of galanin-IR nerve fibers was not affected. The height of the oxyntic mucosa was reduced by about 25% (P < 0.05). Thus, a striking effect on the histamine-IR cells was seen, supporting the view that these cells are regulated by the vagus nerve. The study also indicates that a major portion of the CGRP-IR nerve fibers, and part of the GRP-IR nerve fibers, in the mucosal layer of the fundic region are of vagal origin or regulated by normal vagus nerve activity.

Distribution of neuropeptides in the porcine stellate ganglion

The localization and distribution of neuropeptides including neuropeptide Y (NPY), [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MEAGL), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and somatostatin (SOM) were analyzed in the stellate ganglion of the pig by use of the indirect immunofluorescence technique. NPY, MEAGL, SOM, VIP and CGRP immunoreactivities were found to exist in subpopulations of neuronal cell bodies of the stellate ganglion. A population of the small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells showed MEAGL immunoreactivity. In addition, the presence of NPY-, MEAGL-, CGRP-, SP-, SOM- and VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibers and axonal varicosities were observed in the stellate ganglion. The localization and pattern of distribution of these peptides in the porcine stellate ganglion were compared with studies carried out on stellate ganglia of other mammalian species.

Preepithelial mucus-HCO-3 layer protects against intracellular acidosis in acid-exposed gastric mucosa

The role of the preepithelial mucus-HCO-3 layer in protection against intracellular acidosis was investigated in isolated Necturus gastric antral mucosa exposed to luminal acid by simultaneous measurement of intracellular pH (pH(i)) and extracellular surface pH (pHs) in surface epithelium with microelectrode technique. Acidification of the luminal perfusate to pH 2.5 acidified pH(i) in surface epithelial cells from 7.33 +/- 0.02 to 7.20 +/- 0.04, whereas pHs fell from 6.75 +/- 0.21 to 5.20 +/- 0.25 (P < 0.01; n = 9), followed by a steady state for at least 2 h. Inhibition of epithelial HCO-3 secretion and transport by removal of serosal HCO-3 and CO2 (HEPES and O2 substitution) during acid exposure provoked a progressive acidification of pHs from 5.60 +/- 0.41 to 2.74 +/- 0.14 in 30 min (P < 0.01; n = 9), which was accompanied, after a 5- to 10-min delay, by acidification of pH(i) from 7.21 +/- 0.03 to 5.68 +/- 0.26 (P < 0.01). Digestion of the surface mucus gel by pepsin (5% wt/vol) at pH 2.5 caused a slow acidification of pHs from 5.22 +/- 0.59 to 3.60 +/- 0.46 within 2 h. This was followed by a more rapid acidification to 2.53 +/- 0.38 (P < 0.01; n = 7), with concomitant acidification of pH(i) from 7.19 +/- 0.05 to 6.03 +/- 0.33 (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of the vestibular and spiral ganglion cell somata of the rat by distribution of neurofilament proteins

Neurons of the spiral and vestibular ganglia of the adult rat were labelled with a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which were raised against different subunits of neurofilament proteins (NFPs). Thirteen antibodies labelled intensely the perikarya of a distinct group of somata in both the spiral and vestibular ganglia while the majority of somata were unreactive or showed a weaker reaction. The distinction between intensely immunostained and other cell somata was more conspicuous in the spiral than in the vestibular ganglia. Intensely stained somata formed a subpopulation comprising about 9% (range from 7.2 to 11.1%) in the spiral and about 32% (range from 21.2 to 36.4%) in the vestibular ganglia of the total ganglion cell population. Antibodies against different subunits of NFPs seemed always to stain the same somata. In morphometric analysis the mean diameters of intensely labelled spiral ganglion cells were clearly smaller (9.9 microns) than those of the slightly reactive cells (11.9 microns). In Scarpa's ganglia the intensely reactive cells were larger in size (mean diameter 21.4 microns) than the slightly reactive cells (mean diameter 14.7 microns). In the spiral ganglia, the intensely labelled group of neurons seems to correspond to the morphologically distinct type II cells which may also functionally differ from type I cells. In Scarpa's ganglia, the intensely stained subgroup of somata may correspond to the large neurons innervating central regions of cristae and maculae. Their functional significance remains to be elucidated.

A new monoclonal antibody against the GABA-protein conjugate shows immunoreactivity in sensory neurons of the rat

A monoclonal antibody, 115AD5, was raised against GABA coupled to bovine serum albumin. The monoclonal antibody 115AD5 also reacted with other GABA-protein conjugates. The specificity of the monoclonal antibody was corroborated by enzyme-linked immunoassay, dot-immunobinding experiments and immunostaining of rat cerebellum sections. The monoclonal antibody 115AD5 could successfully be applied on Vibratome and cryostat sections using either indirect immunofluorescence or peroxidase techniques. In rat cerebellar cortex the monoclonal antibody 115AD5 gave an intense immunoreaction in stellate cells, in Golgi neurons, and in basket cells and their processes around Purkinje cell bodies. Purkinje cell dendrites showed GABA immunoreactivity while the cell bodies were non-reactive or only weakly reactive. There was labelling in some nuclei of Purkinje cells. GABA immunoreactivity was also found in dot-like structures in the granular layer. A large population of sensory neurons in rat thoracic and lumbar spinal dorsal root ganglia presented an intense immunoreactivity for the monoclonal antibody 115AD5. Nerve bundles immunoreactive for GABA were also seen in these ganglia. In the trigeminal ganglion, a major population of sensory neurons and some of their processes presented immunoreactivity for GABA. In the sensory nodose ganglion of the vagus nerve, many neuronal cell bodies and some fibres were immunoreactive for GABA. Ligation of the vagus nerve caudal to the ganglion resulted in an increased GABA immunoreactivity in neuronal somata of the ganglion, as well as in nerve fibres on the ganglionic side of the ligature. The present results suggest that in the rat, a population of sensory neurons in thoracic and lumbar spinal dorsal root ganglia, as well as in the trigeminal and nodose ganglia contain GABA. The presence of GABA immunoreactivity in these neurons raises the possibility of a neurotransmitter or modulator role.

Distribution of histamine in the developing peripheral nervous system

The presence and ontogenetic distribution of histamine was studied in the developing peripheral nervous system of the rat by using an indirect immunofluorescence technique and a specific rabbit anti-histamine antiserum. Histamine immunoreactivity (IR) first appeared in peripheral nerves on embryonic day 14. The number and intensity of histamine-immunoreactive nerves was highest on embryonic days 16-18. During development starting from embryonic day 14, motoneurones in ventral horns of the spinal cord at cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels contained histamine IR. A subpopulation of sensory neurones in dorsal root ganglia exhibited histamine IR. Histamine IR was also present in nerve fibres of ventral and dorsal roots of spinal cord, as well as in spinal nerves. Population of neurons and nerve fibres in sympathetic and pelvic ganglia as well as in myenteric ganglia of the intestine were also labelled with the histamine antiserum. In peripheral target organs, histamine IR was observed in nerve fibres around bronchi of the lungs, in the atria of the heart, in the adrenal gland, in the intestinal wall, in muscular tissues and in subepithelial tissue of the skin. The results of this study indicate that histamine is widely distributed in different types of neurons and nerve fibers of the developing peripheral nervous system.

Histamine in the developing sympathoadrenal system

The ontogenetic distribution of histamine in correlation with catecholamines in the developing rat sympathoadrenal system was analyzed by using an indirect immunohistochemical method and a specific rabbit anti-histamine antiserum. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity was used as a marker of catecholamine synthesis. TH immunoreactivity appeared in retroperitoneal sympathetic tissues on embryonic day 12.5 (E 12.5) when it was found in cells of lumbar chain ganglia. In preaortic sympathetic tissue. TH immunoreactivity was observed on day E 13.5 and in adrenal medullae on day E 14.5. Histamine immunoreactivity was expressed in all of these tissues beginning from day E 14.5. First it was found mainly in nerve fibers, but also in some cells. During the embryonic development the number of histamine-immunoreactive cells increased in all sympathetic tissues studied. In newborn rats, histamine immunoreactivity was restricted to a subpopulation of sympathetic cells, i.e. small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells of sympathetic ganglia, paraganglion-type cells and some adrenaline-synthesizing cells of the adrenal medulla.

Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the major salivary glands of the rat: evidence for both sympathetic and parasympathetic origin

The localization of the proenkephalin A-derived octapeptide, Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MEAGL), was studied in the major salivary glands of Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats with the indirect immunofluorescence method. MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibers were found around the acini, along intra- and interlobular salivary ducts and in close contact with blood vessels. In the parotid and submandibular glands tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity was observed in nerve fibers around the acini, in association with intra- and interlobular salivary ducts and around blood vessels, while in the sublingual gland TH-immunoreactive nerve fibers were only seen around blood vessels. Parasympathetic neurons in submandibular ganglia contained MEAGL immunoreactivity. Moderate TH immunoreactivity was seen in some neurons of the submandibular ganglia. A subpopulation of sympathetic principal neurons in the superior cervical ganglion were immunoreactive for both MEAGL and TH. In the trigeminal ganglion, no MEAGL-immunoreactive sensory neurons or nerve fibers were observed. Superior cervical ganglionectomies resulted in a complete disappearance of TH-immunoreactive nerve fibers, while MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibers were still present in the glands. The presence of MEAGL immunoreactivity in neurons of both sympathetic superior cervical ganglia and parasympathetic submandibular ganglia and the results of superior cervical ganglionectomies suggest, that MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the major salivary glands of the rat have both sympathetic and parasympathetic origin.

Distribution of somatostatin- and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the porcine female reproductive system

The localization and distribution of somatostatin and neuropeptide Y were studied in the porcine female reproductive system with the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Somatostatin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in different parts of the ovary and in the muscular membrane of the uterus as well as in the mesosalphinx. Somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons were detected in the inferior mesenteric ganglion. Neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity was present in a large number of nerve fibers distributed in different regions of the uterus, oviduct and ovary. The present results suggest that the porcine female genital organs receive innervation by somatostatin- and neuropeptide Y-containing nerve fibers, but their exact functional role remains to be established.

Immunohistochemical localization of [Met5]enkephalin and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 in sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons and nerve fibers projecting to the rat submandibular gland

The localization of [Met5]enkephalin, [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivities was studied in the submandibular gland of adult Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Immunoreactivities for [Met5]enkephalin and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8, a proenkephalin A-derived octapeptide, showed identical distributions. A large number of enkephalin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were detected around secretory acini, along intercalated ducts, convoluted granular tubules, intra- and interlobular ducts, as well as in close contact with blood vessels. The submandibular ganglia contained several enkephalin-immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers. In the superior cervical ganglion numerous enkephalin-immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers were also detected. Immunohistochemical co-localization studies indicated that [Met5]enkephalin and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 immunoreactivities co-exist with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in a subpopulation of neurons of the rat submandibular ganglia, in nerve trunks along the salivary ducts of the gland, and in nerve fibers around the acini. Uni- or bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomies for 1-4 weeks resulted in a complete disappearance of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the glandular parenchyma, while moderate tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was seen in some neurons of the submandibular ganglia. Abundant [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-immunoreactive nerve fibers were still seen around the acini and blood vessels, as well as close to salivary ducts. These operations did not affect the [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-immunoreactive neurons in the submandibular ganglia. Many principal neurons in the superior cervical ganglion contained both [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Nerve ligation experiments indicated that [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-immunoreactive sympathetic fibers project along the external carotid nerve. Accordingly, nerve fibers were found around the acini and blood vessels as well as in nerve trunks along the salivary ducts of the submandibular gland, showing co-localization of [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 and tyrosine hydroxylase. Taken together, these observations suggest that the nerve fibers of the rat submandibular gland containing proenkephalin A-derived peptides are of both sympathetic and parasympathetic origin.

Immunohistochemical localization of 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and histidine decarboxylase in the rat major pelvic and coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion

The localization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), histamine and histidine decarboxylase (HDC), the enzyme synthesizing histamine, was studied in the rat major pelvic and coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Small cells (10-20 microns in diameter) exhibiting 5-HT, histamine or HDC immunoreactivities were observed in clusters or occurred as solitary cells in both ganglia. In the major pelvic ganglia, solitary histamine-immunoreactive principal neurons were also observed. Colocalization studies indicated that all 5-HT-, histamine- and HDC-immunoreactive small cells in these ganglia were labelled with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), suggesting that they are small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells. In the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia, all TH-immunoreactive SIF cells were also intensely immunoreactive for 5-HT and HDC. In the major pelvic ganglia, all TH-immunoreactive SIF cells contained 5-HT immunoreactivity, and the majority of them were also intensely immunoreactive for HDC. In both ganglia, however, only a subpopulation of TH-immunoreactive SIF cells displayed histamine immunoreactivity. The results indicate that in the rat major pelvic and coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia, a population of catecholamine-containing SIF cells contain 5-HT and histamine suggesting a diverse role SIF cells may have in so far as modulation of ganglion transmission is concerned.

Immunohistochemical localization of Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 in the female genital organs and in the paracervical ganglion of the pig

Indirect immunofluorescence method was used to study the localization and distribution of the proenkephalin A-derived octapeptide, Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MEAGL), in the paracervical ganglion and in the female genital organs of the pig. In the paracervical ganglion, a subpopulation of principal neurons and nerve fibers contained MEAGL immunoreactivity. In the vagina, numerous MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibers were localized in the muscular membrane, under the serous membrane and in the submucous layer. The uterine cervix contained a great number of immunoreactive nerve fibers in muscular membrane and in submucous and subserous layers. The pattern of distribution of MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the uterine horns was similar to that of cervix, but their number in the uterine horns was lower. MEAGL-immunoreactive fibers were also observed through different oviductal layers. In the ovary a low number of immunoreactive fibers were seen in the medullary and cortical parts of the organ. The results of this study indicate that the female genital organs, particularly the uterus and vagina, of the pig receive dense innervation by nerve fibers containing the proenkephalin A-derived octapeptide MEAGL. The presence of MEAGL in principal neurons and fibers of the paracervical ganglion suggests that a large proportion of them originate from neurons of the paracervical ganglion.

Peptide YY-like immunoreactivity in sympathetic neurons of the rat

The occurrence of peptide YY-like peptides in parts of the sympathetic nervous system of the rat was studied by immunocytochemistry and immunochemistry plus analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. Peptide YY-immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers were detected in the superior cervical ganglion. Co-localization studies indicated that peptide YY and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivities co-exist in a subpopulation of neurons of the superior cervical ganglion. Immunochemical analysis revealed peptide YY-immunoreactive material, distinct from neuropeptide Y, in extracts of the superior cervical ganglion. On reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography, extracts of superior cervical ganglion revealed several peaks of peptide YY-like immunoreactive material, one of which eluted close to the position of authentic porcine peptide YY. Peptide YY-immunoreactive nerve fibers were also present in sympathetic target tissues including the auricula and atria of the heart, carotid body, submandibular salivary gland and the adrenal cortex. It is suggested that peptide YY and/or peptide YY-like peptides are present not only in endocrine cells, but also in a subpopulation of cell bodies and fibers of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system.

L-glutamate decarboxylase immunoreactivity in developing sympathetic tissues of the rat

An indirect immunofluorescence method was used to study the appearance and distribution of L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme synthesizing gamma-aminobutyric acid, in developing rat retroperitoneal sympathetic tissues. GAD immunoreactivity was analyzed in correlation with immunoreactivity to the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in the main retroperitoneal paraganglion, adrenal medullae and abdominal sympathetic ganglia. In different abdominal sympathetic tissues TH-immunoreactive cells first appeared on embryonic days 12.5-14.5, while GAD immunoreactivity was first observed in all these tissues in 14.5-day-old embryos (E 14.5). This suggests that the first expression of GAD is not coupled to the onset of catecholamine synthesis. In developing chain ganglia, GAD immunoreactivity was localized prenatally only in cell clusters with bright TH immunoreactivity, suggesting that GAD is expressed only in the cell lineage leading to ganglionic small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells. The coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex developed from the preaortic sympathetic tissue, starting from E 16.5 embryos, when the cranial, moderately TH-immunoreactive cells of this tissue were seen to form compact cell islets around the branches of the abdominal aorta. The caudal, intensely TH-immunoreactive cells of preaortic sympathetic tissue were seen to form the main retroperitoneal paraganglion from day E 15.5. During the prenatal period GAD immunoreactivity in preaortic sympathetic tissue was present caudally only in these paraganglionic cells and cranially in some brightly TH-immunoreactive cells, representing SIF and/or paraganglionic cells. In the adrenal medulla, only some of the TH-immunoreactive cells showed GAD immunoreactivity during early developmental stages. The moderately TH-immunoreactive, noradrenaline-synthesizing, cell clusters were seen for the first time in E 16.5 embryos, and they exhibited no GAD immunoreactivity. Thereafter, GAD was expressed only in the intensely TH-immunoreactive, adrenaline-synthesizing, cell clusters. The results of this study indicate that in the developing rat sympathetic tissues GAD is present only in the cell lineages which differentiate into SIF cells of abdominal sympathetic ganglia, preaortic paraganglionic cells and adrenaline cells of the adrenal medulla.

Met5-enkephalin- and Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pig female reproductive system

The localization of Met5-enkephalin (ME) immunoreactivity in the female genital organs of the rat, guinea pig and pig was studied by indirect immunofluorescence method. In the rat and guinea pig, no ME immunoreactivity was observed in the uterus, fallopian tube or ovary. In the pig uterus and fallopian tube ME-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in muscular and submucose layers as well as around the blood vessels. In the pig ovary, ME immunoreactivity was localized in nerve fibers in medullary and cortical parts of the organ. Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MEAGL) immunoreactivity was also studied in the pig uterus, where its distribution was similar to that of ME. The present results suggest that the pig genital organs receive innervation by nerve fibers containing proenkephalin A-derived peptides, which may have a role in modulation of neurotransmission in these organs.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of neuroactive substances in the inner ear of rat and guinea pig

The presence and localization of different neuropeptides and other putative neurotransmitters or -modulators were examined by immunohistochemistry in the cochleovestibular end organs and in neurons innervating them in rats and guinea pigs. In the organ of Corti neural elements beneath inner hair cells showed immunoreactivity for enkephalin (ENK), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), substance P (SP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Nerve chalices of type I vestibular hair cells contained SP and GAD, but not consistently. SP was only occasionally observed in neuronal cell bodies of the 8th cranial nerve but fine fibers with different neuroactive substances were seen in the nerve trunk in the following relative numbers: TH greater than SP greater than CGRP greater than ENK. The present data demonstrate the presence of several different neuroactive substances in the rat and guinea pig inner ear suggesting a multiplicity of neurotransmitters or -modulators in this system.

Immunocytochemical localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase and catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in the retroperitoneal sympathetic tissue of the newborn rat

The localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme synthesizing gamma-aminobutyric acid, was studied in newborn rat retroperitoneal sympathetic tissue, i.e. the main retroperitoneal paraganglion, adrenal medullae and abdominal sympathetic ganglia using the indirect immunofluorescence method. The coexistence of GAD with the catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) was analyzed in consecutive sections or by staining one section consecutively with different antisera. GAD immunoreactivity was observed only in some cell types of each organ studied. In the main retroperitoneal paraganglion, the small, intensely TH-immunoreactive, paraganglion-type cells were GAD-immunoreactive, while the larger moderately TH-immunoreactive, neuron-like cells were non-reactive for GAD. In the adrenal medulla, GAD immunoreactivity was localized only in the adrenaline-synthesizing, PNMT-immunoreactive chromaffin cells. The noradrenaline-synthesizing, i.e. the TH-immunoreactive cells with no PNMT immunoreactivity, were non-reactive for GAD. In the abdominal sympathetic ganglia, some small intensely TH-immunoreactive cells were GAD-immunoreactive, while the principal neurons were non-reactive for GAD. These results provide immunohistochemical evidence that GAD is present and is colocalized with catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in various sympathetic tissues of the newborn rat. The present results indicate that GAD is localized in adrenaline-synthesizing cells of all the sympathetic tissues studied. A fraction of noradrenaline-synthesizing cells of retroperitoneal sympathetic tissues, excluding the adrenal medulla, also contains GAD.

Immunohistochemical localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide and bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide in nerve fibers of the rat, guinea pig and pig female genital organs

The localization and distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) immunoreactivity were studied in the rat, guinea pig and pig female genital organs with indirect immunohistochemical technique. In the rat, guinea pig and pig, CGRP and GRP immunoreactivities were localized in nerve fibers of the uterus, ovary and oviduct. Generally, CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were intensely stained, while GRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers exhibited moderate immunoreactivity. The number of GRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in these organs was lower in comparison with that of CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers. The pattern of distribution of these nerve fibers was very similar in different genital organs of all species studied. In the uterus of rat, guinea pig and pig, CGRP- and GRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers and nerve bundles were observed in the muscular membrane and around blood vessels. Some delicate CGRP- and GRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were also present in the submucous layer of the uterus. In the oviduct, CGRP- and GRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were seen in the muscular membrane, around blood vessels and in the submucous layer. In the ovary, CGRP- and GRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were distributed in medullary stroma, in close contact with blood vessels and between follicles of different stages of development.

Developmental changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity of sympathetic cells

5-Hydroxytryptamine was demonstrated immunohistochemically in developing sympathetic chain ganglia, adrenal medullae and retroperitoneal paraganglionic tissue. Initially, all catecholamine-synthesizing cells were immunoreactive to 5-hydroxytryptamine, but during the maturation some sympathetic cell types lose this property. In the ganglia, small intensely fluorescent cells retain their 5-hydroxytryptamine content throughout maturation. This property is expressed transitionally in some neonatal principal neurons, but can be triggered even in adult neurons, e.g. after loading with L-tryptophan. In the adrenal medulla, immunoreactivity to 5-hydroxytryptamine is carried over to the adrenaline-synthesizing cells, while in the main retroperitoneal paraganglion it is observed in both adrenaline and noradrenaline cells. These results suggest that initial expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity is coupled to the onset of catecholamine synthesis, but is regulated differently in each mature sympathetic organ.

CGRP-immunoreactive sensory nerve fibers in the submandibular gland of the rat

Indirect immunofluorescence technique was used to study the occurrence and distribution of CGRP immunoreactivity in the submandibular gland of normal rats and after unilateral sensory and sympathetic denervations. In normal rats, CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers and nerve trunks were seen around or in close contact with interlobular salivary ducts as well as around small blood vessels of the gland. Occasionally, CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were also detected between or around the acini of the gland. The submandibular ganglia contained CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers, but the ganglion cells were not immunoreactive for CGRP. The trigeminal ganglion contained a population of CGRP-immunoreactive, mainly small sized ganglion cells and nerve fibers distributed throughout the ganglion. Unilateral electrocoagulation of the trigeminal nerve caused a significant reduction in the number of immunoreactive nerve fibers in the gland, although some fibers still were present in the ipsilateral glandular tissue. Unilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy caused no detectable effect on the number of CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the gland. The present results suggest that the rat submandibular gland contains CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers both around blood vessels and in glandular secretory elements. Denervation experiments support the view that the majority, but perhaps not all of them originate from the trigeminal ganglion.

Carbodiimide as a tissue fixative in histamine immunohistochemistry and its application in developmental neurobiology

The object of this study was to develop an immunohistochemical method that could be used to study neuronal histamine, especially in nerve fibers and terminals where most previous methods have not been applicable. Three new antisera were produced in rabbits against conjugated histamine, and the fixative used in conjugation, 1-ethyl-3(3-diamethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDCDI), was used in tissue fixation and compared to paraformaldehyde. Specificity of the antisera was established with dot-blot tests on nitrocellulose, with blocking controls and affinity-purified antibodies. EDCDI appeared to be superior to paraformaldehyde as a fixative, and histamine-immunoreactive nerve cells were visualized in developing rat brain during late fetal development from embryonal day 12. By the second postnatal week, the distribution of histamine-immunoreactive neurons in rat brain had reached the adult pattern and immunoreactive nerve fibers were seen in many areas. Posterior hypothalamic neurons from newborn rat in vitro showed strong immunoreactivity for histamine and developed long varicose fibers, which covered the culture dish by the end of the fourth week in vitro. Fixation with EDCDI also allowed detection of histamine in gastric enterochromaffin-like cells and mast cells in rat. The results suggest that the histamine-containing neuron system in rat brain develops during the late fetal and early postnatal periods, and that immunoreactive neurons develop long fibers both in vivo and in vitro.

Neural control of the middle ear mucosa

Neurogenic inflammation is assumed to be an important local defence mechanism against noxious stimuli in various parts of the body. Recent experimental evidence suggests substance P(SP) to be the mediator of this mechanism in the respiratory tract. Immunohistochemically, SP has earlier been reported to be present in the middle ear mucosa of the cat and guinea pig. Our earlier study demonstrated SP-like immunoreactive (SPLI) nerve fibres in the middle ear mucosa and tympanic nerve of the rat, guinea pig and man. This study shows that in experimental animals, many neuron cell bodies of the sensory ganglia of the glossopharyngeal nerve show SPLI. It is suggested that SP may be involved in the neurogenic inflammatory reaction leading to the mucosal middle ear disease.

Localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase immunoreactivity in the major pelvic ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex of the rat

The localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, was studied in the rat major pelvic ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex by indirect immunofluorescence technique with a specific antiserum raised in rabbits. GAD immunoreactivity was demonstrated in small cells of these ganglia. The GAD-immunoreactive small cells were 10-20 microns in diameter and formed clusters or occurred as solitary cells. The principal neurons were non-reactive but they were surrounded by immunoreactive processes. Studies on colocalization of GAD with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme of the catecholamine synthesis, in the major pelvic ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex indicated that all GAD-immunoreactive small cells were also labelled with TH. In the major pelvic ganglion all TH-immunoreactive SIF cells were also immunoreactive for GAD. However, in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex there occurred TH-immunoreactive small cells which showed no immunoreactivity to GAD. It is suggested that the small GAD-immunoreactive cells represent small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells.

Immunocytochemical colocalization of histamine, histidine decarboxylase, 5-hydroxytryptamine and tyrosine hydroxylase in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

The coexistence of histamine, histidine decarboxylase (the enzyme synthesizing histamine), 5-hydroxytryptamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis), was studied in the rat superior cervical ganglion with the indirect immunofluorescence method. Possible colocalization was examined by staining consecutive sections with two different antibodies, or alternatively in the same section by eluting the first antibody with a mild solution containing potassium permanganate and sulphuric acid, and by staining the same section with another antibody. It was shown that tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was found both in large principal nerve cells and in small cells, which on the basis of their size and high nucleus-cytoplasm ratio corresponded to small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells. Histamine, histidine decarboxylase and 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivities were observed only in SIF cells. Those SIF cells which were immunoreactive for histamine, histidine decarboxylase or 5-hydroxytryptamine also contained tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. On the other hand, all tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive SIF cells were also immunoreactive for histidine decarboxylase or 5-hydroxytryptamine. Some of the SIF cells, which were non-reactive for histamine, were immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase.

Localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase and GABA transaminase immunoreactivity in the sympathetic ganglia of the rat

The location of L-glutamate decarboxylase and gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA)-transaminase immunoreactivity in the superior cervical ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex of the rat was studied by an indirect immunofluorescence method and by immunoelectron microscopy, with specific antisera raised in rabbits against the corresponding enzymes. In light microscopy, several glutamate decarboxylase- or GABA-transaminase-immunoreactive principal nerve cells were detected in the superior cervical ganglion and coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex. In addition, numerous small cells in both the superior cervical ganglion and coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex showed intense immunoreactivity to glutamate decarboxylase or GABA-transaminase. The small cells were 10-20 micron in diameter and resembled in size and morphology the small intensely fluorescent cells. In consecutive sections, the small glutamate decarboxylase-immunoreactive cell clusters also showed immunoreactivity to tyrosine hydroxylase, suggesting that these cells contain the enzymes for both GABA and catecholamine synthesis. In the superior cervical ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex, GABA-transaminase immunoreactivity was also localized in fibre-like processes around and between the principal nerve cells, in nerve trunks traversing the ganglia, and around or in close contact with ganglionic blood vessels. Furthermore, GABA-transaminase immunoreactivity was observed in fibre-like structures close to the capsule of the ganglia. Division of the preganglionic nerve trunk of the superior cervical ganglion caused no detectable change in GABA-transaminase immunoreactivity in the ganglion. In immunoelectron microscopy of the superior cervical ganglion, GABA-transaminase immunoreactivity was localized in nerve fibres in association with neurotubules. A large number of GABA-transaminase labelled principal nerve cells were detected, containing immunoreactivity evenly distributed in their cytoplasm. GABA-transaminase immunoreactivity was also observed in satellite cells and their processes in the superior cervical ganglion. The present immunocytochemical results provide evidence that the rat sympathetic ganglia contain an intrinsic neuronal system showing histochemical markers for GABA synthesis and inactivation, but its functional role in the modulation of ganglionic neurotransmission remains to be established.

[Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7- and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-immunoreactive nerve fibres and neurons in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

[Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7-(MEAP-) and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-(MEAGL-) immunoreactivity was studied by indirect immunohistochemistry in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat with specific antisera produced in rabbits against the corresponding synthetic opioid peptides. Several MEAP- and a few MEAGL-immunoreactive principal nerve cells were observed in the ganglion, while the small intensely fluorescent cells appeared as non-reactive. The superior cervical ganglion also contained dense networks of MEAP- and MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibres, which often formed basket-like structures around the principal nerve cells and small intensely fluorescent cells. After ligation of the preganglionic nerve trunk with simultaneous transection of the main postganglionic trunks, a distinct accumulation of both MEAP- and MEAGL-immunoreactivity was observed on both sides of the ligature. Ligation of the preganglionic nerve trunk caused a marked decrease in the number of both MEAP- and MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the ganglion. Ligation of the main postganglionic nerve trunks with simultaneous preganglionic nerve division resulted in accumulation of MEAP- and MEAGL-immunoreactive material on the ganglionic side of the ligature in both the external and internal carotid nerve. After division of both the pre- and postganglionic nerve trunks, some immunoreactive nerve fibres and principal nerve cells were still observed in the ganglion. A few immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibres were also observed in the ganglion stellatum. A large number of MEAP- and MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibres was detected in the spinal cord at the levels C6-Th6. A few neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord at levels C8-Th1 showed MEAP- but not MEAGL-immunoreactivity. The cultured superior cervical ganglion contained a few MEAP-immunoreactive neurons, and the fibre outgrowth showed immunoreactivity both to MEAP and MEAGL. In electron microscopy, MEAGL-immunoreactivity in the superior cervical ganglion was localized in nerve fibres containing neurotubules and in principal nerve cells. The present results demonstrate that the rat superior cervical ganglion contains both extrinsic and intrinsic MEAP- and MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibres. Most of these fibres are of preganglionic origin. Both the principal nerve and small intensely fluorescent cells are often surrounded by MEAP- or MEAGL-immunoreactive nerve fibres and may receive innervation by these fibres. Several ganglionic neurons projecting to the sympathetic target tissues show MEAP- and/or MEAGL-immunoreactivity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pre- and postnatal development of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive cells in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

The pre- and postnatal development of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-immunoreactive cells in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat was studied by indirect immunofluorescence method with an antibody to a conjugate of bovine serum albumin and 5-HT. The superior cervical ganglia from 11-day-old embryos to 90-day-old postnatal rats were examined. 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were first detected in the superior cervical ganglion on the 12th day of gestation. At this stage of development the ganglionic cells formed a condensed group, and most of them showed 5-HT-immunoreactivity. During later prenatal development the relative number of the 5-HT-immunoreactive cells in the ganglion decreased and most ganglionic cells appeared as non-reactive. 5-HT-immunoreactive cells showed some variation in size and fluorescence intensity during the whole prenatal development. In the ganglia of newborn rats a wide range of 5-HT-immunoreactive cell sizes was detected. Two types of 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were distinguished in the ganglia of 7- to 35-day-old rats: small (5-15 microns in diameter) cells and large (15-30 microns in diameter) cells, resembling in size small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells and principal nerve (PN) cells, respectively. The relative number of the large 5-HT-immunoreactive cells gradually decreased after the first postnatal week, and these cells were not detected in the ganglia of 90-day-old rats. Small 5-HT-immunoreactive cells constantly formed clusters in the ganglia of postnatal rats. A marked, statistically significant increase in the density of 5-HT-immunoreactive cells occurred during the 4th postnatal week. The 5-HT-immunoreactive cells appeared in the prenatal superior cervical ganglion of the rat approximately at the same time as the cells showing formaldehyde-induced catecholamine fluorescence. Transient occurrence of the large 5-HT-immunoreactive cells during the first postnatal weeks of development indicates, that in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat, 5-hydroxytryptamine may be expressed in some developing PN cells early postnatally. After the 5th postnatal week, the large 5-HT-immunoreactive neuronal cells cannot be detected, and 5-HT is expressed only in the SIF cells.

Histamine-immunoreactive endocrine cells in the adrenal medulla of the rat

Histamine is widely distributed in various mammalian tissues and it has been shown that histamine is located in mast cells as well as in other structures. Biochemical evidence has been presented that histamine acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated the location of histamine-immunoreactive neuronal cells in both the central and peripheral nervous system. Biochemical studies have shown that histamine is present in the adrenal gland, while the location of histamine in the adrenal medulla is not known. There is pharmacological and biochemical evidence that exogenous histamine affects the catecholamine secretion of the adrenal medulla. The present study was undertaken to examine the location of histamine in the rat adrenal medulla by an indirect immunofluorescence method using a specific histamine antiserum. We now report the presence of histamine-immunoreactive endocrine cells in the adrenal medulla of the rat and suggest that histamine is located in the noradrenaline-secreting cells.

Histamine-immunoreactive cells in the superior cervical ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex of the rat

Histamine-immunoreactive small cells were detected in the superior cervical ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex of the rat with a specific antiserum produced in rabbits. Most histamine-immunoreactive cells were arranged in clusters, often around small blood vessels. Solitary immunoreactive small cells were also observed and they were easily distinguished from mast cells. The principal nerve cells showed no immunoreactivity to histamine and no histamine-containing nerve fibers were detected in the ganglia by the present method. Due to close morphological similarities, it is concluded that the small immunoreactive cells observed in the present study represent small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells first detected by formaldehyde-induced catecholamine fluorescence.