Difference of pericentral NADPH-d positive neurons in the rabbit spinal cord segments

The purpose of the present investigation was to characterize and determine the number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons around the central canal in the rabbit spinal cord. These neurons are known to function as interneurons and are present in all spinal cord segments. They differ in shape of their bodies and in length and branching of their processes. The main differentiation was observed in their number, depending on the place of their localization. The highest number of these NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons was in sacral part (6 in average), the lowest one was noticeable in thoracic spinal cord (1-2 in average). It can be concluded that pericentral neurons of the rabbit spinal cord are capable of synthesizing nitric oxide and that they differ in number, depending on the place of their localization in each spinal cord segment.