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Nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in rat spinal cord.
N J Dun1, S L Dun, U Forstermann
1Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43614.
Neuroscience Letters
|December 7, 1992
Summary
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS-IR) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT-IR) were mapped in adult rat spinal cords. NOS-IR was found in autonomic neurons and dorsal horn cells, but not in motoneurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Research
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) are key enzymes in neuronal function.
- Understanding their distribution in the spinal cord is crucial for deciphering neural pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of NOS-immunoreactivity (NOS-IR) and ChAT-immunoreactivity (ChAT-IR) in the adult rat spinal cord.
- To identify neuronal populations expressing these markers.
Main Methods:
- Avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique was employed for immunohistochemical staining.
- Adult rat spinal cord sections were analyzed for NOS-IR and ChAT-IR.
Main Results:
- NOS-IR neurons were identified in the intermediolateral cell column, around the central canal, and in superficial/deeper laminae.
- ChAT-IR neurons were present in similar locations, including ventral horn motoneurons.
- NOS-IR was notably absent in ventral horn motoneurons, which were ChAT-IR.
Conclusions:
- NOS-IR is present in autonomic preganglionic neurons and specific dorsal horn and lamina X neurons.
- Motoneurons in the ventral horn express ChAT-IR but not NOS-IR, suggesting distinct functional roles.