Confocal laser scanning microscopy on the distribution of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-immunoreactive nerves in the chicken Harderian gland
2005
Hiramatsu, K.(Shinshu Univ., Minamiminowa, Nagano (Japan). Faculty of Agriculture) | Ohshima, K.
Nitrergic innervation of the chicken Harderian gland was investigated by using immunohistochemistry for neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and a confocal laser scanning microscope. Immunoreactivity for nNOS was detected on nerve elements in the pterygopalatine ganglion and the Harderian gland. Most nerve cells in the pterygopalatine ganglion showed nNOS immunoreactivity. These cells had a variety of sizes and shapes. Nerve fibers projecting from these ganglion cells also showed immunoreactivity for nNOS. Dense networks of nerve fibers showing nNOS immunoreactivity were observed in the interstitial tissue of the Harderian gland. Fine immunoreactive nerve fibers were found running in the capsule. No immunoreactive nerve fibers were found contacting with epithelial cells of the collecting duct. The present data suggested that nitrergic nerves have a relation to the regulation of the immune function of the chicken Harderian gland.
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