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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
Published on: October 2, 2018
Skin sympathetic adrenergic innervation: an immunofluorescence confocal study
Vincenzo Donadio1, Maria Nolano, Vincenzo Provitera
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Naples, Italy.
Annals of Neurology
|January 27, 2006
Summary
This study maps sympathetic nerve fibers in human skin using dopamine beta hydroxylase (DbetaH). Findings reveal DbetaH-positive fibers primarily in blood vessels and muscles, aiding autonomic disorder diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- The skin's sympathetic innervation plays a crucial role in regulating physiological functions.
- Understanding the precise distribution of noradrenergic fibers in human skin is essential for diagnosing autonomic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the sympathetic adrenergic innervation of human skin.
- To utilize dopamine beta hydroxylase (DbetaH) as a specific marker for noradrenergic fibers.
- To establish a baseline for diagnostic skin biopsy interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Human skin biopsies from 10 healthy subjects were analyzed.
- Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were employed.
- Dopamine beta hydroxylase (DbetaH) antibody was used to identify noradrenergic fibers in glabrous and hairy skin.
Main Results:
- Dopamine beta hydroxylase (DbetaH) immunoreactive fibers were predominantly found in arteriovenous anastomoses, arrector pilorum muscles, and arterioles.
- A sparse distribution of adrenergic fibers was observed around sweat glands.
Conclusions:
- This detailed mapping of sympathetic adrenergic innervation in human skin provides a foundation for improved diagnostic capabilities.
- Skin biopsy analysis can be enhanced to detect selective autonomic nervous system disorders based on these findings.
