Bovine pancreatic polypeptide-like immunoreactive nerves in the rat major cerebral arteries

Immunofluorescence histochemical observation of the major cerebral arteries of the rat demonstrated the presence of an extensive plexus of bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP) containing nerves. The density of the nerves were similar to those previously observed in the adrenergic plexus. The density of BPP-immunoreactive fibers markedly decreased following bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy. It is concluded that BPP-containing fibers of the cerebral arteries emanate mostly from the superior cervical ganglion and that BPP and norepinephrine coexist in the adrenergic nerves.