The development and interaction of catecholaminergic and peptidergic perivascular nerve fibres in the rat mesenteric vascular bed

• Main Author: Woolgar, Jane R. (Jane Ruth), 1964-
• Other Authors: Memorial University of Newfoundland. Faculty of Medicine
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 1988
• Subjects: Catecholamines; Peptides; Neurofibrils; Vascular smooth muscle; Newfoundland studies; University of Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/theses2/id/240108

Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1989. Medicine Bibliography: leaves 99-113. The hypothesis that different fibre systems interact during the development of innervation of the mesenteric vascular bed was examined. It is proposed that this interaction may be essential to the development of each innervating system and in turn affect the development of the vasculature. Immunohistochemistry was used to allow differentiation of different fibre types. Electron microscopy was used to determine relationships between axons. Although it is still premature to draw a final conclusion, the results of the present studies suggest that peptide-containing and noradrenergic nerves follow different patterns of development and that they interact during development. It appears as if peptidergic innervation limits the proliferation of catecholaminergic fibres, whereas catecholaminergic fibres are necessary for the full development of peptidergic fibres. The peptidergic fibres are normally found in large bundles whereas the catecholaminergic fibres are found in small bundles. A mixing of these catecholaminergic and peptidergic fibres can occur. Colocalization of peptidergic and catecholaminergic substances in the same fibre also appears to be possible.