ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Atrioventricular valve
;
Nerve terminals
;
Neuropeptide Y
;
Interstitial cells
;
Electron microscopy
;
Immunogold staining
;
Japanese monkey
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Bacground: A rich supply of nerves to the atrioventricular valve has been demonstrated. The role of the valvular nerves is still controversial because the target sites of the nerves have not been confirmed.Methods: The innervation of the atrioventricular valves of the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) was examined by acetylcholinesterase staining and electron microscopy. Immunoreactivity for neuropeptide Y (NPY) was also investigated by a post-embedding immunogold method.Results: The valvular nerve elements were clearly concentrated between the endothelium and interstital cells on the atrial side of cusps. Naked axon terminals were observed to make direct contact (20-nm gaps) with interstitial cells and also to be in close proximity (∼200-nm cleft) to the endothelium. NPY immunoreactivity was clearly detected on the large granular vesicles in some terminals that were in close proximity to interstitial cells and/or the endothelium.Conclusion: The present study suggests that the extensive innervation of the atrioventricular valve, which includes NPY-containing nerves, might affect valvular function via interstitial cells and/or the endothelium. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
12 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1092400203
