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Cell and tissue research1994; 276(3); 523-534; doi: 10.1007/BF00343949

Structural organization and neuropeptide distributions in the equine enteric nervous system: an immunohistochemical study using whole-mount preparations from the small intestine.

Abstract: The architecture and neurochemistry of the enteric nervous system was studied by use of whole-mount preparations obtained by microdissection of the horse jejunum. A myenteric plexus and two plexuses within the submucosa were identified. The external submucosal plexus lying in the outermost region of the submucosa had both neural and vascular connections with the inner submucosal plexus situated closer to the mucosa. Counts of neurones stained for NADH-diaphorase demonstrated the wide variation in size, shape and neurone content of individual ganglia in both the external and internal submucosal plexuses. The average number of cells/ganglion was similar in each plexus (about 25 cells). Immunoreactivities for galanin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and neuropeptide Y were observed in nerve cell bodies and fibres of each of the plexuses. Immunoreactivity for substance P was extensive and strong in nerve fibres of all plexuses but was weaker in cell bodies of the submucosal neurones and absent in the cell bodies of the myenteric plexus. Comparative quantitative analysis of immunoreactive cell populations with total cell numbers (enzyme staining) was indicative of neuropeptide colocalization in the external submucosal plexus.
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Publication Date: 1994-06-01 PubMed ID: 7520362DOI: 10.1007/BF00343949Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study delves into the structure and neurochemistry of the enteric nervous system in horses, notably the jejunum region of the small intestine. It primarily aims to understand connections within the submucosa and the respective neuron compositions.

Study Objectives

The primary object of this study was:

  • Understanding the arrangement and chemical makeup of the horse’s enteric, or digestive, nervous system using microscopic examination

Methodology

Their method involved:

  • Microdissection was used to procure whole-mount preparations from the jejunum segment of the horse’s small intestine.
  • A discovery of two plexuses or nerve-networks within the submucosa in addition to an already existing myenteric plexus was noted.
  • External submucous plexus found in the farthest region of the submucosa was found to have both vascular and neural connections with the internal submucous plexus located near the mucosa.

Findings

The research revealed:

  • Neurones stained for NADH-diaphorase exhibited disparity in terms of size, shape, and neuronal matter of individual ganglia in both submucosal plexuses.
  • The standard cell count per ganglion in each plexus roughly amounted to 25 cells
  • Immunoreactions for galanin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and neuropeptide Y were monitored in nerve cells and fibres of each of the plexuses.
  • In comparison, substance P immunoreaction showed a widespread and strong presence in all plexuses’ nerve fibres. It was notably weaker in the submucosal neurones’ cell bodies and altogether absent in the myenteric plexus’ cell bodies.
  • Quantitative comparison of immunoreactive cell populations with the total cell numbers, stained by enzyme, suggested neuropeptide colocalization in the external submucosal plexus.

Conclusion

The study gives a detailed understanding of the structural organization and the distribution of various neuropeptides in the equine enteric nervous system. It also highlights the presence and variation of different neuropeptides across various plexuses.

Cite This Article

APA
Pearson GT. (1994). Structural organization and neuropeptide distributions in the equine enteric nervous system: an immunohistochemical study using whole-mount preparations from the small intestine. Cell Tissue Res, 276(3), 523-534. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00343949

Publication

Cell and tissue research
ISSN: 0302-766X
NlmUniqueID: 0417625
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 276
Issue: 3
Pages: 523-534

Researcher Affiliations

Pearson, G T
  • Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Enteric Nervous System / anatomy & histology
  • Enteric Nervous System / metabolism
  • Galanin
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Horses / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Jejunum / innervation
  • Jejunum / metabolism
  • Myenteric Plexus / anatomy & histology
  • Myenteric Plexus / metabolism
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neuropeptide Y / metabolism
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Substance P / metabolism
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / metabolism

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Citations

This article has been cited 14 times.
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