NADPH diaphorase neurones are evenly distributed throughout cat neocortex irrespective of functional specialization...

Using NADPH diaphorase histochemistry as a marker for nitric oxide synthase we investigated the possible sites of nitric oxide synthesis in cat cerebral neocortex. Intensely stained neurones were found mainly in the deep layers of the neocortex and underlying medulla. Virtually all neurones in the cerebral medulla were NADPH diaphorase positive. The density of diaphorase neurones was estimated in the cortex/medulla border zones of each neocortical gyrus. Diaphorase neurones were evenly distributed throughout the neocortex and no significant statistical difference between gyri was observed. These findings indicate that the density of diaphorase neurones is irrespective of functional specialization of each region and are more in line with the hypothesis that NADPH diaphorase neurones are involved in the control of local cortical blood flow.