Enteric origin of bombesin immunoreactive fibres in the rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion

Bombesin-like immunoreactivity occurs in a dense network of nerve fibres in the rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion. No bombesin immunoreactive cell bodies have been observed in this ganglion. An origin outside the ganglion was therefore assumed for the bombesin immunoreactive fibres. Ligation of the mesenteric nerve, between the ganglion and the gut resulted in an accumulation of bombesin immunoreactive material on the distal side, i.e. towards the gut. Transection of the nerve caused a depletion of bombesin immunoreactive fibres in the ganglion. These results suggest that bombesin immunoreactive fibres in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion of the rat originate in neurons in the gastrointestinal wall. Application of colchicine to the stomach wall caused an accumulation of bombesin immunoreactive material in myenteric neurons.