Bovine pancreatic polypeptide-like immunoreactivity in brain and peripheral nervous system: coexistence with...

The rat central and peripheral nervous system contains a widespread distribution of BPP-like immunoreactive neurons. Some of these neurons coexist with a catecholamine, probably mostly NE. This peptide appears to be releaseable by nerve stimulation. Catecholamine releasing agents such as reserpine do not appear to deplete the BPP. This extensive distribution and unique coexistence of a peptide with peripheral sympathetic nerves suggests a neuromodulatory role of BPP in autonomic functions.