PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “GANGLIA, SPINAL”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources

The relationship between lipofuscin and neuromelanin in some sites of the nervous system of the horse.

Histochemical and cytochemical features of neuronal pigment in the spinal cord, and in the sympathetic and spinal ganglia of the adult horse have been studied. Light and electron microscopical observations revealed that lipofuscin pigment is present in the spinal ganglia and in the spinal cord, whereas in the sympathetic ganglia both lipofuscin and neuromelanin are present. The ultrastructural studies showed that lipofuscin granules exhibited a triphasic organization consisting of a matrix, a system of lamellae and one or more lipid vacuoles. Neuromelanin granules have structural features in common with lipofuscin-like granules, except the former types store a highly electron dense material on their matrix. The electron dense material has been identified as melanin by a modification of the Lillie ferrous sulfate reaction applied at the ultrastructural level. From the ultrastructural appearance and cytochemistry of the neuronal pigments in horse it is concluded that neuromelanin should be considered as melanized lipofuscin. The possibility that the different ratio of lipofuscin to melanin within the same granule is responsible for the peculiar reaction of certain neuromelanin granules to lipophilic dyes, the PAS reaction, a histochemical assay for melanin and exposure to ultraviolet light, is discussed.

Animals↗

Localization of NADPH-diaphorase containing neurons in the spinal dorsal horn and spinal sensory ganglia of the turtle Chrysemys d'orbigny.

NADPH-diaphorase positive (NDP) neurons and nerve fibers were found in the spinal dorsal horn (DH) and sensory ganglia of the turtle Chrysemys d'orbigny. Three well-defined types of NDP neurons were found in the DH: (a) elongated nerve cells with two radially arranged dendritic branches, (b) neurons with rostrocaudal dendritic branches, (c) bitufted neurons with two, practically symmetric branches that project to the ipsilateral and contralateral dorsal horns. A combination of the techniques that reveal NADPH-diaphorase activity with the horseradish peroxidase transganglionic labeling of the dorsal root collaterals, suggested that NDP neurons of the DH are second-order cells of the spinal sensory pathway. NDP neurons were also found in the spinal sensory ganglia at all metameric levels. Our findings indicate that the DH of turtles, like that of mammals, contains both the enzymatic machinery and the neural connections required to postulate the participation of nitric oxide in "plastic phenomena" such as hyperalgesia and central sensitization. Two other alternatives or complementary hypotheses are discussed: (a) NDP neurons in the DH and sensory ganglia may represent specific cell populations involved in the processing of sensory visceral information; (b) NADPH-diaphorase reactivity may indicate sustained levels of neuronal activity.

Afferent Pathways↗

Distinct functional types of macrophage in dorsal root ganglia and spinal nerves proximal to sciatic and spinal nerve transections in the rat.

Inflammation proximal to a peripheral nerve injury may be responsible for ectopic discharge and/or death of sensory neurones, factors thought to contribute to the development and/or maintenance of neuropathic pain. Here, ED1+, ED2+ and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II)+ macrophages in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal nerve roots have been compared quantitatively in adult rats following transection of one sciatic or one spinal nerve, using double labelling immunohistochemistry. In control DRGs, all ED2+ cells expressed ED1 and some also MHC II. One week after either lesion, the ED2+ cells changed negligibly, except that all expressed MHC II. ED1+ and MHC II+ cell density increased markedly, with cells expressing MHC II alone (the majority), ED1/MHC II or rarely ED1 alone. In the spinal roots, ED1+ and MHC II+ cell density increased less after sciatic than after spinal nerve transection when ED1+ foamy cells were prominent. All ED2- macrophages were aggregated with T lymphocytes around blood vessels at 1 week or around isolated somata at later stages. ED1+ cell density declined more rapidly than MHC II+ cell density. Within the DRG, the debris of retrogradely labelled neurones appeared in ED2+ cells and a small proportion of MHC II+ cells that contained ED1. The data suggest that (i) resident ED2+ macrophages do not proliferate but are phagocytic and (ii) of ED1+ and MHC+ monocytes invading from the blood, only ED1+/MHC II+ cells are phagocytic. Four functional subtypes of macrophage within the DRGs were distinct from ED1+ foamy cells that phagocytosed myelin after spinal nerve transection.

Animals↗

Differential expression of annexins I-VI in the rat dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord.

The annexins are a family of Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. In the present study, the spatial expression patterns of annexins I-VI were evaluated in the rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) by using indirect immunofluorescence. Annexin I is expressed in small sensory neurons of the DRG, by most neurons of the SC, and by ependymal cells lining the central canal. Annexin II is expressed by most sensory neurons of the DRG but is primarily expressed in the SC by glial cells. Annexin III is expressed by most sensory neurons, regardless of size, by endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, and by the perineurium. In the SC, annexin III is primarily expressed by astrocytes. In the DRG and the SC, annexin IV is primarily expressed by glial cells and at lower levels by neurons. In the DRG, annexin V is expressed in relatively high concentrations in small sensory neurons in contrast to the SC, where it is expressed mainly by ependymal cells and by small-diameter axons located in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn areas. Annexin VI is differentially expressed by sensory neurons of the DRG, being more concentrated in small neurons. In the SC, annexin VI has the most striking distribution. It is concentrated subjacent to the plasma membrane of motor neurons and their processes. The differential localization pattern of annexins in cells of the SC and DRG could reflect their individual biological roles in Ca(2+)-signal transduction within the central nervous system.

Animals↗

[Extra-organic sources of innervation of the sigmoid].

By means of horseradish peroxidase administration into the wall of the sigmoid colon central part, localization, relative amount, body forms and size of the neurons, dealing with innervation of the given part of the colon have been determined. Labelled neurons are present in the colon wall, in ganglia of the caudal mesenteric artery nervous plexus, in the caudal and cranial mesenteric ganglia in the celiac plexus ganglia, in nodes and internodal branches of the lumbar part of the sympathetic trunk (the left one predominantly) and in the spinal ganglia from TXIII up to LVII. In the grey substance of the spinal cord labelled neurons are not revealed. The main part of the postganglionar sympathetic neurons, projecting their axons to the sigmoid colon, are situated in the caudal mesenteric ganglion. In the spinal ganglia the most part of the labelled neurons are to the left at the level of LII-LVI, to the right--at the level of LII-LV. The optimal time for revealing the greatest number of the labelled neurons are the 1st-3d days after administration of the enzyme. Capture of the lable takes place later in the neurons of those ganglia, which are situated more further from the place of peroxidase administration.

Animals↗

Age-related reduction of the satellite cell sheath around spinal ganglion neurons in the rabbit.

The volumes of the nerve cell bodies and those of the enveloping satellite cell sheaths from spinal ganglia of young adult and aged rabbits were determined by morphometric methods using the electron microscope. The mean volume of the nerve cell bodies was greater in the old rabbits than in young adults; this is probably related to the larger body size of the old animals. The mean volume of the satellite cell sheaths was, however, smaller in the aged rabbits than in the young adults. Consequently the volume ratio between the satellite cell sheaths and the related nerve cell bodies was significantly smaller in the aged animals. Since satellite cells play an important role in the support of the neuron, the reduction in volume of the perineuronal sheath could be associated with a decrease in the trophic activity of satellite cells towards the enveloped neuron with consequences for neuronal activity. Furthermore, in the satellite cell sheaths of old rabbits, the number and extension of gaps that leave the neuronal surface directly exposed to the basal lamina were significantly increased. Since spinal ganglia lack a blood-nervous tissue barrier, only the satellite cell sheath controls the traffic of material to the nerve cell body. Because the neuronal surface unprotected by the satellite cell envelopment is significantly more extensive in the spinal ganglia of old rabbits than in those of young adults, the nerve cells of the former are more exposed to potential damage by harmful substances. A dense undercoating was seen very frequently beneath the portions of the neuronal plasma membrane not covered by satellite cells.

Aging↗

Long-term presence of virus-specific plasma cells in sensory ganglia and spinal cord following intravaginal inoculation of herpes simplex virus type 2.

The tissue sites of long-term herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-specific antibody production in mice and guinea pigs were identified. In addition to secondary lymphoid tissue and bone marrow, HSV-specific plasma cells were detected in spinal cords of mice up to 10 months after intravaginal inoculation with a thymidine kinase-deficient HSV-2 strain and in lumbosacral ganglia and spinal cords of guinea pigs inoculated with HSV-2 strain MS. The long-term retention of virus-specific plasma cells in the peripheral and central nervous systems following HSV infection may be important for resistance to reinfection of neuronal tissues or may play a role in modulation of reactivation from latency.

Animals↗

Estrogen receptor-alpha and beta- immunoreactivity and mRNA in neurons of sensory and autonomic ganglia and spinal cord.

Estrogen receptor-alpha immunoreactivity and mRNAs are present in neurons in locales that innervate genital organs, e.g., parasympathetic pelvic autonomic ganglia, sensory dorsal root and nodose ganglia, and autonomic areas of the lumbosacral spinal cord. With the availability of probes for the beta-isoform of the estrogen receptor, we studied this receptor in autonomic, sensory, and spinal cord neurons and compared it with the distribution of the alpha-receptor. Estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta immunoreactivity were located in the nuclei of neurons, were in subpopulations of parasympathetic neurons in pelvic ganglia, and sensory neurons of dorsal root and nodose ganglia. Both receptor subtypes were present in the lumbosacral spinal cord: in neurons of the outer laminae of the dorsal horn, lateral collateral and medial collateral pathways, sacral parasympathetic nucleus, dorsal intermediate gray, and lamina X. Similar numbers of spinal cord neurons were immunoreactive for estrogen receptor-beta and estrogen receptor-alpha. However, estrogen receptor-beta-immunoreactive neurons appeared less numerous in the outer dorsal horn, but more numerous in the deeper layers of the spinal cord than estrogen receptor-alpha neurons. Retrograde tracing from the uterus revealed "uterine-related" neurons in dorsal root and pelvic ganglia that contained estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta. In situ hybridization revealed both estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta mRNA transcripts in sensory neurons of the dorsal root and nodose ganglia, parasympathetic neurons of pelvic ganglia, and spinal cord neurons in the dorsal horn, sacral parasympathetic nucleus, and dorsal intermediate gray of L6-S1 segments. These studies show that both estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta are synthesized by autonomic and sensory neurons in parts of the nervous system that have connections with the female reproductive system. Such neurons contain neurotransmitters that have important functions in the female reproductive organs; thus, it is likely that estrogen can influence the activity of such neurons and consequently, through them, the activities of the reproductive organs.

Animals↗

Immune cell involvement in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord after chronic constriction or transection of the rat sciatic nerve.

Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rodents produces mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and is a common model of neuropathic pain. Here we compare the inflammatory responses in L4/5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal segments after CCI with those after transection and ligation at the same site. Expression of ATF3 after one week implied that 75% of sensory and 100% of motor neurones had been axotomized after CCI. Macrophage invasion of DRGs and microglial and astrocytic activation in the spinal cord were qualitatively similar but quantitatively distinct between the lesions. The macrophage and glial reactions around neurone somata in DRGs and ventral horn were slightly greater after transection than CCI while, in the dorsal horn, microglial activation (using markers OX-42(for CD11b) and ED1(for CD68)) was greater after CCI. In DRGs, macrophages positive for OX-42(CD11b), CD4, MHC II and ED1(CD68) more frequently formed perineuronal rings beneath the glial sheath of ATF3+ medium to large neurone somata after CCI. There were more invading MHC II+ macrophages lacking OX-42(CD11b)/CD4/ED1(CD68) after transection. MHC I was expressed in DRGs and in spinal sciatic territories to a similar extent after both lesions. CD8+ T-lymphocytes aggregated to a greater extent both in DRGs and the dorsal horn after CCI, but in the ventral horn after transection. This occurred mainly by migration, additional T-cells being recruited only after CCI. Some of these were probably CD4+. It appears that inflammation of the peripheral nerve trunk after CCI triggers an adaptive immune response not seen after axotomy.

Activating Transcription Factor 3↗

Neuropeptide Y and galanin binding sites in rat and monkey lumbar dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord and effect of peripheral axotomy.

Using monoiodinated peptide YY (PYY) and galanin as radioligands, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) fragments, the distribution of NPY binding sites and its subtypes Y1 and Y2, and of galanin binding sites, was investigated in rat and monkey lumbar (L) 4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord before and after a unilateral sciatic nerve cut, ligation or crush. Receptor autoradiography revealed that [125I]PYY bound to some DRG neurons and a few nerve fibres in normal rat DRG, and most of these neurons were small. NPY binding sites were observed in laminae I-IV and X of the rat dorsal horn and in the lateral spinal nucleus, with the highest density in laminae I-II. [125I]PYY binding was most strongly attenuated by NPY13-36, a Y2 agonist, and partially inhibited by [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, a Y1 agonist, in both rat DRG and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These findings suggest that Y2 receptors are the main NPY receptors in rat DRG and dorsal horn, but also that Y1 receptors exist. After sciatic nerve cut, PYY binding markedly increased in nerve fibres and neurons in DRG, especially in large neuron profiles, and in laminae III-IV of the dorsal horn, as well as in nerve fibres in dorsal roots and the sciatic nerve. Incubation with NPY13-36 completely abolished PYY binding, which was also reduced by [Leu31,Pro34] NPY. However, the increase in PYY binding seen in laminae I-IV of the ipsilateral dorsal horn after axotomy was not observed after coincubation with [Leu31,Pro34] NPY. NPY binding sites were seen in a few neurons in monkey DRG and in laminae I-II, X and IX of the monkey spinal cord. The intensity of PYY binding in laminae I-II of the dorsal horn was decreased after axotomy. Galanin receptor binding sites were not observed in rat DRG, but were observed in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord, mainly in laminae I-II. Axotomy had no effect on galanin binding in rat DRG and dorsal horn. However, galanin receptor binding was observed in many neurons in monkey L4 and L5 DRG and in laminae I-IV and X of monkey L4 and L5 spinal cord, with the highest intensity in laminae I-II. No marked effect of axotomy was observed on the distribution and intensity of galanin binding in monkey DRG or spinal cord.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical localization of histamine H3 receptors in rodent skin, dorsal root ganglia, superior cervical ganglia, and spinal cord: potential antinociceptive targets.

Activation of histamine H3 receptors (H3Rs) reduces inflammation and nociception, but the existence of H3Rs on peripheral innervation has never been demonstrated. Here we use antibodies to locate H3Rs in whisker pads, hairy and glabrous hind paw skin, dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), and spinal cords of rats, wild type mice, and H3R knockout (H3KO) mice. Although H3Rs have been hypothesized to be on C and sympathetic fibers, H3R-like immunoreactivity (H3R-LI) was only detected on presumptive periarterial A delta fibers and on A beta fibers that terminated in Meissner's corpuscles and as lanceolate endings around hair follicles. The H3R-positive periarterial fibers were thin-caliber and coexpressed immunoreactivity for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, acid sensing ion channel 3, and 200 kDa neurofilament protein (NF). H3R-LI was also detected on epidermal keratinocytes and Merkel cells, but not on Merkel endings, C fibers, any other A delta fibers, or sympathetic fibers. In DRGs, H3R-LI was preponderantly on medium to large neurons coexpressing NF-LI and mostly CGRP-LI. In dorsal horn, CGRP-positive fibers with and without H3R-LI ramified extensively in lamina II; many of the former formed a plexus in lamina V. Low levels of H3R-LI were also present on A beta fibers penetrating superficial and into deeper laminae. The distribution of H3R-LI was similar in rats and wild type mice, but was eliminated or strongly reduced in A delta fibers and A beta fibers, respectively, in H3KO mice. Taken with recently published behavioral results, the present findings suggest that periarterial, peptidergic, H3R-containing A delta fibers may be sources of high threshold mechanical nociception.

Animals↗

[The correlation of central projection of the acupoints riyue, qimen with correlative viscera, in the rabbit].

Twenty two rabbits were selected for the experiment and were divided into three groups. CT-HRP or CB-HRP was injected respectively into the ampulla wall (group 1) or acupoint area Riyue (group 2) or Qimen (group 3). The results obtained are as follows: Group 1. The labelled cells appeared in the spinal ganglia from T3 to T11 on the left side and T2 to T10 on the right side, and a lot appeared in the nodose ganglion of the vagus nerve on both sides. The transganglionic labeled terminals were found in the region of the solitary nucleus on both sides. A lot of labelled cells appeared in the celiae ganglia on both sides, a few dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve on both sides. Group 2. The labelled cells appeared in the spinal ganglia from T4 to T10 and C6 to C8 on the same side, the anterior horn of the spinal cord from T5 to T10 segments on the same side, and a lot appeared in the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk from T3 to T10 on the same side. Group 3. The labelled cells appeared in the spinal ganglia from T4 to T8 on the same side, the anterior horn of the spinal cord from T5 to T7 segments on the same side, and a lot appeared in the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk from T4 to T8 on the same side. The results of experiment shows: 1. There are 5-7 overlapping segments of sensory nerve projection between Riyue, Qimen acupoint area and ductus choledochus ampulla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acupuncture Points↗

Expression and regulation of prostaglandin E receptor subtype mRNAs in rat sensory ganglia and spinal cord in response to peripheral inflammation.

Prostaglandins are known to act via seven transmembrane domain receptors to exert actions on both peripheral and central neurons resulting in changes in neuronal excitability. Prostaglandin E2, the prostaglandin most often associated with inflammation, itself acts on a family of closely related receptors, the EP receptors. Using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we have shown that rat primary afferent neurons express the mRNA for all EP receptor subtypes, and that some, but not all EP receptor subtype mRNAs are down-regulated in sensory neurons in response to an acute peripheral inflammation. We also show for the first time that all EP receptor subtype mRNAs are expressed in rat lumbar spinal cord. Spinal cord EP receptor subtype mRNAs are also regulated in acute inflammation in a pattern distinct from the changes seen in sensory ganglia in response to the same inflammatory stimulus.

Animals↗

Kinetic studies on glial, Schwann and capsular cells labelled with [3H] thymidine in cerebrospinal tissue of young mice.

Neuroglia, capsular and Schwann cell renewal and turnover in the cerebellum, the spinal cord and spinal ganglia have been evaluated in 2-months-old mice. The animals received intraperitoneal injections of [3H] thymidine at 8 hr intervals starting on the 28th day of postnatal life for a period of 30 days and were killed 1 hr after the last injection. Substantial numbers of labelled neuroglial cells but no labelled neurons were observed. Oligodendrocytes of the cerebellum and the spinal cord showed higher labelling indices (19.8% and 18.0%, respectively) than astrocytes (10.0%) and Bergmann's supporting cells (7.2%). The labelling indices of capsular cells in the spinal ganglia and Schwann cells in the spinal roots were 35.8% and 25.8%, respectively. The experiments failed to provide evidence for matrix cell layers in the cerebellum, the spinal cord and spinal ganglia. It may be concluded therefore that glial and Schwann cells in these parts of the nervous system proliferate in situ.

Animals↗

[Investigation on the mechanism of discogenic groin pain].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of discogenic groin pain. METHODS: Twenty-one adult wistar rats were divided into experimental group (paravertebral sympathetic trunks were reserved), control group (paravertebral sympathetic trunks were resected) and self-control group (right paravertebral sympathetic trunks were resected, the left ones were reserved) randomly. Each group has 7 rats. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were injected into the L5-L6 intervertebral discs from right postero-lateral side. Bilateral L1, L2 spinal ganglia were sectioned after 48 hours to observe the HRP labeled cells and the effect of resection of paravertebral sympathetic trunks. Another 7 adult wistar rats were used. The same steps of injection, removal and section as in experimental group were taken. Combining method of HRP retrograde tracer with immunocytochemistry stained the sections to determine the nature of HRP labeled cells. RESULTS: HRP labeled cells were found in bilateral L1, L2 spinal ganglia in each group. The comparison results of labeled cells numbers between groups (experimental group from 22.5 +/- 7.1 to 29.3 +/- 9.7, control group from 12.9 +/- 5.1 to 13.3 +/- 4.9, P < 0.01) and of self-control group (left 24.8 +/- 6.7, 30.6 +/- 8.4, right 15.8 +/- 4.4, 14.5 +/- 4.1, P < 0.01) show that the numbers of HRP labeled cells were significantly less than that after resection of paravertebral sympathetic trunks. HRP and SP double-labeled cells can be recognized in bilateral L1, L2 spinal ganglia in immunocytochemistry experiment. CONCLUSIONS: Discogenic groin pain is referred pain which is transmitted by sympathetic nerves and appears in the area that was segmentally innervated by anterior rami of L1 and L, spinal nerves.

Animals↗

Effects of bupivacaine and tetrodotoxin on carrageenan-induced hind paw inflammation in rats (Part 2): cytokines and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord.

BACKGROUND: The authors previously showed that bupivacaine and tetrodotoxin via contralateral or ipsilateral sciatic block, but not systemically, attenuate local edema and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan hind paw injection in rats. Bupivacaine, by all three routes, suppressed systemic cytokine activation, whereas tetrodotoxin was ineffective by all three routes. In the current study, the authors examined cytokine and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal cord after carrageenan paw injections and sciatic blocks with either bupivacaine or tetrodotoxin. METHODS: Ten groups of rats (n = 3-5) received injections in the following sites: right or left hind paw or right forepaw (carrageenan or saline) and left sciatic block (with epinephrine plus bupivacaine, tetrodotoxin, or saline; repeated 6 h later). Fifteen hours later, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1beta, p38 MAPK, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in DRGs and in the spinal cord. RESULTS: Carrageenan-induced hind paw inflammation enhanced tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta production in bilateral DRGs and spinal cord and enhanced p38 MAPK activation in bilateral DRGs. These pathways were not activated after forepaw injection of carrageenan, suggesting a segmental mechanism. Neither bupivacaine nor tetrodotoxin inhibited cytokine and p38 MAPK activation after carrageenan injection. CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral or contralateral sciatic blockade using either bupivacaine or tetrodotoxin does not inhibit carrageenan-induced activation of cytokines and p-38 MAPK in spinal cord and DRGs. Possible explanations may include incomplete degrees of conduction blockade or afferent signaling via saphenous nerves.

Animals↗

Retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase in transected axons. 3. Entry into injured axons and subsequent localization in perikaryon.

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) applied to crushed mouse sciatic nerves diffused through the damaged perineurium into the endoneurium. In the injured area, HRP passed into damaged myelinated and unmyelinated axons forming columns of reaction product, which extended for several millimeters proximally to the lesion. Ultrastructurally, HRP adhered to the inner surface of the axoplasm and to the surfaces of neurotubules and neurofilaments in such columns. At more proximal levels axons contained HRP in vesicular and tubular organelles and, later, nerve cell bodies of the corresponding spinal ganglia showed HRP, accumulation in cytoplasmic vesicles, cup-shaped bodies, multivesicular bodies and tubules of agranular endoplasmic reticulum. Markedly less HRP reached neurons in the spinal ganglia when applied to the nerve 30 or 60 min after the crush. After such time intervals solid HRP containing axons were also less frequently observed. Conceivably, HRP enters crushed axons momentarily after a crush as an injured cell reaction. Subsequently it is incorporated into organelles higher up in the axons, from where retrograde transport to the perikaryon will fellow. This phenomenon of a sudden non-specific influx of exogenous macromolecules into axotomized neurons and their subsequent transport to the perikaryon might be relevant for development of certain biochemical and morphological responses, e.g. lysosomal alterations, of the neuron to an axonal injury.

Animals↗

[Neural circuit of the cervical sympathetic nervous system with special reference to input and output of the cervical sympathetic ganglia: relationship between spinal cord and cervical sympathetic ganglia and that between cervical sympathetic ganglia and their target organs].

Using anterograde labeling technique with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), we demonstrated the arborization pattern of a single preganglionic axon in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and stellate ganglion (STG). These axons expanded in the longitudinal direction, but not for transverse direction. Segmental relationship was identified between the spinal cord and STG, as seen between spinal cord and sympathetic ganglia in the thoraco-lumbar region, but we did not find any segmental relationship between the spinal cord and SCG. Some sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the lateral horn of the thoracic cord, especially in the intermediolateral nucleus (IML) have nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. We demonstrated that SCG neurons, which were heavily innervated by these NOS-positive neurons, tended to innervate organs that have some secretory functional tissues. Finally, we showed that the size of neuronal somata does not correlate with the size of target organs, as has been reported in previous studies. We should consider that there are other factors determining the size of neuronal somata, such as the size of dendritic field or volumes of NGF secretory from target tissues.

Animals↗