Comparative study of the topographic localization of NADPH diaphorase positive cells in the rabbit and pheasant...

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen phosphatediaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry was used as a marker for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In the rabbit thymus, NADPHd staining was observed between the capsule and corticomedullary junction in radially oriented blood vessels in the cortex. The outer surface of the thymic lobule and interlobular septa showed adipocytes clumped together. There was a high density of NADPHd positive cells in the medulla, without a sharp boundary in corticomedullary space. In addition to radially oriented blood vessels in the cortex, they were also found as solitary profiles with well stained walls in the medulla. Neuronal plexuses were localized in perivascular topography. In the pheasant thymus, NADPHd positive cells were present as clusters which were distributed in the medulla and the corticomedullar area. NADPHd positive nerve fibres were localized in perivascular topography.