Summary
Immunohistochemical localization of the opioid peptides α-neo-endorphin (α-neo-END), dynorphin A (DYN) and leu-enkephalin (leu-ENK) in the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was studied following central denervation, peripheral axotomy, and after application of the depleting drug reserpine and of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. The paraganglionic cells of the SCG are shown to form an intrinsic opioid — (α-neo-END, DYN, leu-ENK) — immunoreactive system being not visibly responsive to the experimental procedures. Leu-ENK-immunoreactive fibres ascend in the preganglionic trunk and supply fibre baskets to defined clusters of postganglionic neurones. Principal ganglion cells of the SCG containing α-neo-END-and DYN-immunoreactivity project to extraganglionic targets via the postganglionic nerves. These findings are indicative of a sympathetic α-neo-END-ergic and DYN-ergic innervation of effector organs. They also point to a modulatory function of opioids on neuronal activity in a paravertebral ganglion.
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Kummer, W., Heym, C., Colombo, M. et al. Immunohistochemical evidence for extrinsic and intrinsic opioid systems in the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion. Anat Embryol 174, 401–405 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00698790
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00698790