Abstract | PURPOSE: METHODS: Mouse PPG and lacrimal glands were processed for single- and double-labeled indirect immunofluorescence studies. Slides were examined with conventional fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: All the somata in the PPG expressed both VAChT and nNOS immunoreactivity (IR). The postganglionic axons within the ganglion showed less VAChT-immunoreactive intensity than that seen in the somata, whereas nNOS IR was almost undetectable. In the lacrimal gland, nNOS-positive nerve bundles and fibers were observed to be associated with tear-collecting ducts, blood vessels, and acini. Some nNOS-positive punctate elements appeared to be distributed among acini. Many nerve fibers were VAChT immunoreactive and a small number of fibers were TH immunoreactive in the gland. Most of the VAChT-positive fibers and some of the TH-positive nerves displayed nNOS IR. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of nNOS in cells of the PPG and in lacrimal gland nerves suggests that NO may play a role in modulating tear production. The site of action may include the PPG, ducts, blood vessels, acini, nerve fibers, and myoepithelial cells within the gland. NO may modulate parasympathetic and/or sympathetic synaptic transmission or by acting directly on lacrimal gland components. The interaction between NO-ergic and the conventional autonomic input illustrates the complexity of the innervation pattern of the mouse lacrimal gland.
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Authors | C Ding, B Walcott, K T Keyser |
Journal | Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
(Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci)
Vol. 42
Issue 12
Pg. 2789-94
(Nov 2001)
ISSN: 0146-0404 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11687519
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Carrier Proteins
- Membrane Transport Proteins
- Slc18a3 protein, mouse
- Vesicular Acetylcholine Transport Proteins
- Vesicular Transport Proteins
- Nitric Oxide Synthase
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
- Nos1 protein, mouse
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
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Topics |
- Animals
- Autonomic Nervous System
(enzymology)
- Carrier Proteins
(metabolism)
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
- Lacrimal Apparatus
(innervation)
- Membrane Transport Proteins
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Nitric Oxide Synthase
(metabolism)
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
(metabolism)
- Vesicular Acetylcholine Transport Proteins
- Vesicular Transport Proteins
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