Distribution of myenteric NO neurons along the guinea-pig esophagus

Intrinsic nitrergic (NO) neurons of the guinea-pig esophagus were histologically studied to elucidate the physiological significance of the myenteric plexus located in the esophageal striated muscle and smooth muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter. Double staining for PGP 9.5 immunohistochemistry and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, which depicts whole neuronal elements and nitrergic NO neurons, respectively, revealed that the plexus had different network patterns along the entire course of the esophagus, and that NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons made up on average 69% of the total number of myenteric neurons. Motor endplates of the esophageal striated muscles that were stained by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, were often observed in association with NADPH-diaphorase positive varicose fibers that were traced to the myenteric ganglia, though their direct continuity with the neuronal cell bodies could not be ascertained. We conclude that the myenteric NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in the guinea-pig esophagus contribute to the innervation of the striated muscles as well as the smooth muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter.