Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  1997 Mar;40(3):382-388.

Localization of Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide-Containing Nerve Endings in Guinea Pig Nasal Gland by Transmission Electron Microscopy

• Jeon SY
• Ahn SK
• Sung JJ
• Jung TG
• Hwang EG

Abstract

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP), 28-amino acid peptide extracted from porcine duodenum first, has been known as a potent vasodilator. And, VIP is also one of the important neurotransmitters in autonomic pathways affecting secretion and vascular tone of the airway. The purpose of present study is to localize the VIP-containing nerve endings in the nasal gland of the guinea pig at ultrastructural level. For immunoelectron microscopy, adult guinea pigs(300-400g B.W.) were perfused with Zamboni fixative through the aorta and the nasal septum were removed. 20nm cryosections were made for immunocytochemistry using rabbit anti-VIP and ABC methods. After DAB reaction, sections were processed for pre-embedding method, and 70nm ultrathin sections were cut. Routine uranyl acetate and lead citrate staining were employed, and immunoreactivity was observed under transmission electron microscope. VIP-containing nerve endings were located in cytoplasmic interdigitation between acinar cells, and also found along the basal surface of the acini, excretory ducts, and myoepithelial cells as well. These findings imply that VIP might be involved in secretory activity of the nasal gland of the guinea pig.

Keyword

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide; Nasal gland; Transmission electron microscopy; Immunocytochemistry

MeSH Terms

Acinar Cells
Adult
Animals
Aorta
Autonomic Pathways
Citric Acid
Cytoplasm
Duodenum
Guinea Pigs*
Guinea*
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission*
Microscopy, Immunoelectron
Nasal Septum
Nerve Endings*
Neurotransmitter Agents
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
Citric Acid
Neurotransmitter Agents
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide