Biomedical subjects

M Lakomy

Publications and source records attributed to M Lakomy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Re-examination of the topographical localization of facial nucleus in the pig.

Previous publications have provided different descriptions of the topographical organization of the facial nucleus of the pig. Since swine is used in biomedical research due to its embryological, anatomical and physiological similarities to human, we have reinvestigated the anatomical organization of the facial nucleus with application of fluorescent retrograde tracer Fast Blue, antibody to choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry. Our findings demonstrate that in the porcine medulla facial motoneurons constitute a large cellular group occupying the ventro-lateral medulla. The neuronal group is interposed rostro-caudally between the superior and inferior olive, and located ventro-medially to the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. The present results clarify the anatomical description of this important brain stem nucleus in the pig.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2005

Immunohistochemical characterization of neurons in the porcine ciliary ganglion.

The present study was aimed at disclosing the chemical coding of nerve structures in the porcine ciliary ganglion (CG) using immunohistochemical methods. The substances under investigation included markers of "classical" neurotransmitters, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH) as well as neuropeptides, somatostatin (SOM), galanin (GAL), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Immunoreactivity to ChAT and VAChT was found virtually in all the neuronal somata and in numerous intraganglionic, varicose nerve fibres which often formed basket-like formations around the nerve cell bodies. Many CG neurons contained immunoreactivity for SOM (46%) or GAL (29%). Interestingly, a small number (approx. 1%) of the cholinergic somata stained for TH but not for DbetaH; nevertheless, some extra- and intraganglionic nerve fibres displayed immunoreactivity for DbetaH or TH. The CG perikarya stained neither for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) nor for neuropeptide Y (NPY), but some NPY- or VIP-positive nerve terminals were observed within nerve bundles distributed outside the ganglion. SP- and CGRP-immunoreactivity was found in some intraganglionic nerve fibres only. The present study revealed that the porcine CG consists of cholinergic neurons many of which contain SOM and GAL. Thus, it can be assumed that in the pig, these neuropeptides are involved, complementary to acetylocholine, in the parasympathetic postganglionic nerve pathway to structures of the eye including the ciliary and iris sphincter muscles.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The influence of experimental ileitis on the neuropeptide coding of enteric neurons in the pig.

In the present study, both the ELISA test and immunohistochemical staining were used to investigate the influence of artificially induced ileitis on the chemical coding of enteric neurons in the pig. The ileum wall in experimental (E) pigs was injected in multiple sites with 4% paraformaldehyde to induce inflammation, while in the control (C) animals, the organ was injected with 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Three days after ileitis induction, samples of ileum wall from all the animals were evaluated for VIP, SP, CGRP, NPY, GAL and SOM concentration (ELISA test) and the expression of these biologically active substances by the enteric neurons (immunohistochemical staining). Quantitative results showed that ileitis decreased tissue concentration of VIP, CGRP and SOM but increased tissue concentration of SP, NPY and GAL. Immunochemistry revealed that in both the experimental and control pigs, VIP-positive (VIP+) nerve fibers supplied mainly ileal blood vessels, and the labeled pericarya were located in the inner (ISP) and outer submucous plexus (OSP). SP+ and CGRP+ nerve terminals were found in both the mucous and muscular membrane, while the labeled pericarya were found in ISP, OSP and myenteric plexus (MP). In both C and E pigs, the very few nerve terminals containing NPY and SOM were located mainly in the mucous membrane. NPY- or/and SOM-immunopositive nerve cell bodies were found in ISP, OSP and MP. GAL+ nerve fibers supplied all layers of the ileum and were most numerous in the muscular membrane, while the labeled pericarya were present in all the enteric plexuses. The present results suggest that enteric neurons are highly plastic in their response to inflammation.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The distribution and chemical coding of neurons in the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex supplying the normal and inflamed ileum in the pig.

The present study investigated the chemical coding of neurons in the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex supplying the normal (n=4) and inflamed (n=4) ileum (chemically-induced inflammation) in juvenile pigs using retrograde tracing combined with immunohistochemistry. Ileum-projecting neurons (IPN) were predominantly distributed in the left and right superior mesenteric pools of the ganglion. The majority of them were adrenergic (tyrosine hydroxylase-positive) and also contained neuropeptide Y, somatostatin or galanin. No clear-cut differences in the distribution and chemical coding of IPN were found between normal and inflamed pigs. However, in the inflamed group, the density of peptidergic, IPN-associated nerve fibres was higher than that found in the control group.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Leptin receptors, NPY, and tyrosine hydroxylase in autonomic neurons supplying fat depots in a pig.

The goal of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical characteristics of peripheral adrenergic OBR-immunoreactive (OBR-IR) neurons innervating adipose tissue in a pig. The retrograde tracer, Fast Blue (FB), was injected into either the subcutaneous, perirenal, or mesentery fat tissue depots of three male and three female pigs each with approximately 50 kg body weight. Sections containing FB(+) neurons were stained for OBR, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or neuropeptide Y (NPY) using a double labeling immunofluorescence method. OBR, TH, and NPY immunoreactivities were present in the thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) ganglia of the sympathetic chain, as well as in the coeliac superior mesenteric ganglion (CSMG), inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG), intermesenteric ganglia (adrenal-ADG, aorticorenal-ARG, and ovarian-OG or testicular-TG ganglion). These results indicate that, in addition to neuroendocrine functions, leptin may affect peripheral tissues by acting on receptors located in sympathetic ganglion neurons.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

Immunohistochemical study of the otic ganglion in the pig.

The presence of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM), galanin (GAL), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was studied in neurons and nerve fibers of the porcine otic ganglion. ChAT-positive neurons were very numerous while VAChT-positive nerve cells were moderate in number. The number of neurons containing NPY and VIP was lower and those containing SOM, GAL, SP or CGRP were observed as scarce, or single nerve cells. The above mentioned substances (except SOM) were present in nerve fibers of the ganglion. ChAT- and VAChT-positive nerve fibers were numerous, while the number of nerve terminals containing NPY, VIP and SP was lower. GAL- and CGRP-positive nerve fibers were scarce.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Differences in the distribution and chemical coding between neurons in the inferior mesenteric ganglion supplying the colon and rectum in the pig.

The distribution and chemical coding of neurons in the porcine left and right inferior mesenteric ganglion projecting to the ascending colon and rectum have been investigated by using combined retrograde tracing and double-labelling immunohistochemistry. The ganglion contained many neurons supplying both gut regions. The colon-projecting neurons (CPN) occurred exclusively in the cranial part of the ganglia where they formed a large cluster distributed along the dorso-lateral ganglionic border and a smaller cluster located close to the caudal colonic nerve output. The rectum-projecting neurons (RPN) formed a long stripe along the entire length of the lateral ganglionic border and, within the right ganglion only, a small cluster located close to the caudal colonic nerve output. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the vast majority of the CPN and RPN were noradrenergic (tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive). Many noradrenergic neurons supplying the colon contained somatostatin or, less frequently, neuropeptide Y. In contrast, a significant subpopulation of the noradrenergic RPN expressed neuropeptide Y, whereas only a small proportion contained somatostatin. A small number of the non-adrenergic RPN were cholinergic (choline-acetyltransferase-positive) and a much larger subpopulation of the nerve cells supplying both the colon and rectum were non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic. Many cholinergic neurons contained neuropeptide Y. The non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurons expressed mostly somatostatin or neuropeptide Y and some of those projecting to the rectum contained nitric oxide synthase, galanin or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Many of both the CPN and RPN were supplied with varicose nerve fibres exhibiting immunoreactivity against Leu5-enkephalin, somatostatin, choline-acetyltransferase, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or nitric oxide synthase The somatotopic and neurochemical organization of this relatively large population of differently coded inferior mesenteric ganglion neurons projecting to the large bowel indicates that these cells are probably involved in intestino-intestinal reflexes controlling peristaltic and secretory activities.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[High-frequency pressure ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure in the treatment of respiratory failure in neonates].

The authors present results of group of 13 neonates treated with high frequency positive pressure ventilation (HFPPV) with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for severe respiratory failure. The ventilatory protocol was based on the following principles: a) higher mean airway pressure (MAP) to achieve adequate oxygenation, b) MAP titrated mainly with PEEP, c) fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) below 0.6, d) small tidal volumes 3-6 ml/kg, e) ventilatory rates to achieve normocapnia in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension and to allow permissive hypercapnia in others. During HFPPV, the maximum values for respiratory rate, PEEP, MAP and peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), the incidence of airleak and the need for inotropic support were recorded. The values for arterial partial pressure of oxygen (paO2), FiO2, paO2/FiO2 and MAP during conventional ventilation and 30 minutes after initiation of HFPPV were statistically analyzed. paO2 increased from 8.0 kPa (3.3-10.4) to 11.8 kPa (7.3-16.2, p < 0.001) and paO2 (torr)/FiO2 increased from 62.2 (24.7-101.2) to 157.5 (62.2-275.2, p < 0.001) 30 minutes after institution of HFPPV when MAP was increased from 11.8 cmH2O (9-13.8,) to 17.2 H2O (14.8-22.2) p < 0.001. This allowed turning down FiO2 from 1 (0.6-1) to 0.6 (0.4-1 p < 0.001). Maximal ventilatory rates used were in average 60/min (50-105), PEEP 8 cmH2O (6-10), PIP 30 cmH2O (26-45), MAP 18.8 cmH2O (14.8-22.2). Air leak did not occur in any patient. Catecholamines were used in 8 patients. The duration of ventilatory support lasted in average 6 days (2-18). All patients were successfully extubated. 5 of them required nasal continuous positive airway pressure (14 hours--7 days). (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 19.)

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2001

Influence of active immunization against GnRH on VIP- and NPY-positive innervation of the porcine testis.

The influence of an anti-GnRH vaccine on VIP- and NPY-positive innervation of testes was studied in the pig. The immunization prevented the occurrence of changes in the pattern of VIP- and NPY-positive testicular innervation associated with the sexual maturation: it maintained the density of innervation at the high level characteristic for sexually immature animals. The effect was dependent on the method of immunization: the application of two doses of the vaccine was more efficient than application of only one dose, and vaccination with adjuvant was more efficient than vaccination with the plain vaccine. The studies on VIP and NPY concentration in the testicular tissue with radioimmunoassay (RIA) revealed immunization-dependent changes in the peptide concentration, however, some discrepancies between morphological changes and peptide levels were observed.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Has active immunization against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone any effect on testis innervation in the pig? An immunohistochemical study.

The innervation of porcine testes was studied in intact animals and in boars undergoing active immunization against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by means of immunohistochemistry using antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), vasoactive intestinal polypolypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). Moreover, the distribution of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors in clusters of Leydig cells was also investigated. To identify these cells easily, either the NADPH-diaphorase histochemical technique or the Mayer counter-staining procedure was applied. Differences in the distribution pattern and relative density of particular subsets of intratesticular nerve fibres were observed in immunized boars as compared to those found in the intact animals. In the testes of non-treated animals, only single TH-immunoreactive (TH-IR) nerve fibres were observed. However, many D beta H-IR nerve terminals surrounded blood vessels in the tunica albuginea and parenchyma. Very scarce VIP-IR nerves occurred only in the tunica albuginea, mainly in close vicinity to blood vessels. Immunoreactivity to NPY occurred in single nerve fibres. Immunoreactivity to SNAP-25 and PGP 9.5 was found in single nerve fibres distributed mainly in the tunica albuginea. The interstitial cells were heavily stained for LH-receptors and NADPH-diaphorase. In the testes of immunized animals, only single TH-IR nerve fibres, scattered mainly in the tunica albuginea, were observed. Some TH-IR nerve terminals were also encountered in the parenchyma of the organ, where they were always associated with blood vessels. D beta H-IR nerve fibres formed a dense network distributed throughout the testis in association with the capsule, vasculature and interstitium. Some fibres were observed to run between seminiferous tubules. VIP-IR nerve fibres were located in the neighbourhood of blood vessels in the tunica albuginea and parenchyma. Only single VIP-IR nerves were found between seminiferous tubules. Numerous NPY-IR nerve fibres occurred in the tunica albuginea and parenchyma of the organ. SNAP-25-IR and PGP 9.5-IR nerve terminals formed a dense network distributed throughout the testis and many fibres were observed between seminiferous tubules. Interstitial cells were very weakly stained for LH receptors or NADPH-diaphorase.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Peritoneal dialysis in children after cardiac surgery].

The authors analyse their experience with the use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in children with acute renal failure after cardiac surgery. From 1995 through 1998, 1246 children were operated in Pediatric Cardiocenter 38 of them developed acute renal failure and required peritoneal dialysis. Indications for PD were oliguria, anuria, hyperkalemia and fluid overload with generalized tissue oedema. PD was instituted at mean 33.9 (3-132) hours after surgery and lasted mean 53.7 (6-264) hours. None of the patients developed peritoneal infection. Hyperglycaemia developed in 8 patients and was treated with continuous insulin infusion. 5 patients required catheter reposition or reinsertion due to inadequate fluid removal and 1 patient required another renal replacement therapy. 22 (57.9%) patients died due to intractable low cardiac output. 16 survivors recovered their renal functions. In a long-term follow-up, 7 patients had no signs of significant renal dysfunction. In 4 patients, mild elevation of N-acetyl-beta-D-glukozaminidase indicates mild proximal tubular dysfunction. These findings together with aminoaciduria in 5 patients will require a further follow-up. (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 16.)

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed1999

Immunohistochemical properties of nerve fibres supplying accessory male genital glands in the pig. A colocalisation study.

Immunohistochemical studies have been performed to investigate the occurrence and coexistence of two catecholamine-synthesising enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, and several neuropeptides, including neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, Leu5-enkephalin, somatostatin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P, in nerve fibres supplying porcine accessory genital glands, the seminal vesicles, prostate (body and the disseminated part) and bulbourethral glands. Three major populations of nerve fibres supplying non-vascular elements of the glands have been distinguished (from the largest to the smallest one): (1) noradrenergic fibres, the majority of which contain Leu5-enkephalin, neuropeptide Y or, to a lesser extent, somatostatin, (2) non-noradrenergic, putative cholinergic fibres containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, neuropeptide Y and/or somatostatin and, (3) nonnoradrenergic, presumably sensory fibres, containing calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P. Whilst the coexistence patterns within nerves supplying particular glands are similar, the density of innervation varies between the organs. The innervation of the seminal vesicles and prostatic body is more developed than that of the disseminated part of the prostate and bulbourethral glands. The majority of noradrenergic fibres related to blood vessels contain neuropeptide Y only, while the non-noradrenergic nerves contain mainly vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The possible function and origin of particular nerve fibre populations are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Innervation of the fibro-elastic type of the penis: an immunohistochemical study in the male pig.

The occurrence and colocalization of several biologically active neuropeptides, catecholamine-, acetylcholine- or nitric oxide-synthesizing enzymes-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), choline acetyl-transferase (ChAT) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS I), respectively, as well as the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) were investigated in the penile glans (GP), corpus and crura (CP), as well as in the retractor penis muscle (RPM) of juvenile and adult boars. Immunohistochemistry revealed that nerves immunoreactive (IR) to TH, D beta H, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SOM) were the most numerous, followed (in decreasing order of density) by nerves IR to NOS, neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), galanin (GAL), Leu5-enkephalin (LENK) and ChAT/VAChT. The CP contained the largest number of nerve fibres followed by the RPM, GP and corpus. Enzyme/peptide-containing nerves were associated with both the vascular and non-vascular penile structures. However, differences existed for their density and intrapenile distribution. Nerve terminals IR for different combinations of VIP, GAL or SOM were more frequent than those IR for NOS or CGRP in the non-vascular penile structures while the vasculature and the RPM received a prominent TH/D beta H-, VIP-, SOM- or NOS-IR nerve input. The present data indicate that the porcine penis receives nerve fibres that exhibit diverse chemical codes and that differences in the chemical coding of the nerve fibres may depend on their penile target-structure.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1998

Distribution of neurons innervating the uterus of the pig.

The distribution of neurons innervating the uterus of the pig was studied with the use of fluorescent retrograde tracer Fast Blue. Tracer injections were made into the uterine cervix, pericervical, middle and perioviductal part of the right uterine horn. After tracer injection into the uterine cervix tracer-positive neurons were found bilaterally in the inferior mesenteric ganglia, paracervical ganglia, paravertebral ganglia L1-S3 and dorsal root ganglia Th10-L4 and S2-S3. After tracer injection into the pericervical part of the right uterine horn the distribution of tracer-positive neurons resembled the one described earlier, except the tracer-positive neurons were absent in the left dorsal root ganglia. After tracer injection into the middle part of the right uterine horn tracer-positive neurons were found in the ipsilateral inferior mesenteric ganglion, bilaterally in the paracervical ganglia and in the ipsilateral paravertebral ganglia (L2-L6). Injection of the tracer into the perioviductal part of the right uterine horn revealed tracer-positive neurons bilaterally in the inferior mesenteric ganglia and paracervical ganglia and single cells in the ipsilateral paravertebral ganglia.

Amidines↗

PubMed1997

Immunohistochemical characteristics of nerve fibres supplying the porcine vas deferens. A colocalisation study.

Double-labelling immunofluorescence was used to investigate the coexistence of the catecholamine-synthesising enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and several neuropeptides including neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, Leu5-enkephalin, somatostatin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in nerve fibres supplying the vas deferens in juvenile and adult pigs. The study has revealed three major populations of nerve terminals innervating the organ: (1) noradrenergic fibres; (2) non-noradrenergic (putative cholinergic) fibres containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, neuropeptide Y and somatostatin, supplying almost exclusively the lamina propria; and (3) non-noradrenergic, presumably sensory fibres, containing calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P. The population of noradrenergic nerves can be divided into three subpopulations: a somatostatin-containing, a Leu5-enkephalin-containing and a subpopulation immunonegative to the peptides investigated, in descending order of magnitude. Coexistence patterns of the substances existing within nerve fibres supplying the vas deferens blood vessels are clearly different from those found in nerve fibres innervating the organ wall. The majority of the noradrenergic fibres associated with blood vessels contain neuropeptide Y only, while non-noradrenergic perivascular nerves contain predominantly vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The possibility of different sources of origin of the particular nerve fibre subpopulations supplying the porcine vas deferens and its blood vessels is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Noradrenergic and peptidergic innervation of the testis and epididymis in the male pig.

This study was designed to investigate the distribution of noradrenaline (NE)- and peptide-containing nerves in the testis of the boar. Testes, as well as caput and cauda epididymides from five 5 week-old and 3 adult boars were sectioned and immunostained with antisera to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), Leu-enkephalin (L-ENK) and somatostatin (SOM). In addition, double-labelling immunofluorescence method was used to disclose the pattern of co-existence of these substances in the nerve fibres. The most abundant innervation was found in the cauda epididymidis, and the density of the nerves distinctly decreased towards the caput epididymidis. The testicular parenchyma and caput epididymidis was supplied with very scattered TH-, D beta H-, NPY-, VIP-, SP-, CGRP-, L-ENK- and SOM-containing nerve fibres. The present study has demonstrated for the first time the existence of CGRP, L-ENK and SOM in nerve fibres innervating the testis of a vertebrate species. Different subpopulations of nerve fibres, including TH+/D beta H+, D beta H+/NPY+, D beta H-/NPY+, D beta H+/NPY-, D beta H+/VIP+, D beta H-/VIP+, D beta H+/SP+, D beta H-/SP+, D beta H+/L-ENK+ D beta H-/L-ENK+, D beta H+/SOM+ and D beta H-/SOM+, were localized and documented.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Distribution of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes and some neuropeptides in the median eminence-arcuate nucleus complex (MEARC) of the immature female pig.

The presence of the catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) and some neuropeptides, including neuropeptide Y (NPY), Leu5-enkephalin (LENK), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), galanin (GAL) and somatostatin (SOM) was investigated in nerve fibres and perikarya of the median eminence-arcuate nucleus complex (MEARC) of the sexually immature female pigs by means of the immunohistochemical avidin-biotin complex method. Although immunoreactivities to all the studied substances were found in nerve fibres of the porcine MEARC, there were differences in the distribution and density of particular subsets of nerve fibres within the complex. While loose D beta H-immunoreactive (D beta H-IR) and dense TH-, NPY- and VIP-IR nerve meshworks occurred predominantly in the internal layer of the MEARC, nerve fibres immunoreactive to TH, CGRP, SOM, SP and LENK were more numerous in the external than in the internal layer of the median eminence (ME). Numerous TH-, D beta H-, NPY-, VIP-, SP- and CGRP-IR perivascular nerve fibres were also observed within both layers of the median eminence. There were also differences in the distribution of a particular subset of neurons within the porcine MEARC: NPY-, VIP-, GAL-, SP- and TH-IR (but not D beta H-IR) perikarya were found in the arcuate nucleus, while in the median eminence only subpopulations of NPY-, VIP and GAL-IR neurons were observed.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Distribution of some neuropeptides in the porcine inferior mesenteric ganglion.

The occurrence and distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, and bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide in neuronal cell bodies and nerve fibers of the porcine inferior mesenteric ganglion were studied with the indirect immunohistochemical technique. Of all substances studied only vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was found in principal ganglionic neurons. The presence of nerve fibers immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide, and substance P was also found in the ganglion. There were differences in the pattern of distribution and density of the nerve fibers immunoreactive to the particular peptides. Fibers containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide were numerous, while fibers containing substance P were comparatively scarce. The present results revealed both similarities and specific differences in the occurrence and localisation of various neuropeptides in the porcine inferior mesenteric ganglion in comparison with that of other mammalian species.

Animals↗