Peptide-containing nerve fibers in the parathyroid glands of different species

Several neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), the noradrenergic marker dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and the general neuroendocrine marker PGP 9.5 were localized by immunocytochemistry in the parathyroid glands of chicken, rat, guinea-pig, cat, dog and sheep. The general density of innervation varied markedly among the species. Nerve fibers storing CGRP, NPY, PACAP, SP and VIP were present in all species examined. Galanin-containing fibers occurred in all species except guinea-pig and adrenergic (DBH-containing) fibers in all species except chicken and guinea-pig. Generally, the nerve fibers were distributed around blood vessels, in the parenchyma as single scattered fibers, and often also within the capsule. Coexistence studies were performed in cat and sheep. CGRP and SP invariably coexisted in the same nerve fibers. Further, CGRP partially coexisted with PACAP, NPY was observed in the same nerve fibers as DBH. A small population of NPY-containing fibers also seemed to contain galanin (cat only). VIP and NPY coexisted in a population of nerve fibers in the parenchyma. A population of VIP-containing fibers also seemed to contain PACAP. The results indicate the presence of several neuropeptides in the parathyroid glands. As judged by their distribution patterns they may regulate both secretory activity and blood flow, some of them possibly in a cooperative manner.