Immunohistochemical characterization of the intrinsic cardiac neural plexus in whole-mount mouse heart preparations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The intrinsic neural plexus of the mouse heart has not been adequately investigated despite the extensive use of this species in experimental cardiology.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of cholinergic, adrenergic, and sensory neural components in whole-mount mouse heart preparations using double immunohistochemical labeling.

Methods/results

Intrinsic neurons were concentrated within 19 ± 3 ganglia (n = 20 mice) of varying size, scattered on the medial side of the inferior caval (caudal) vein on the right atrium and close to the pulmonary veins on the left atrium. Of a total of 1,082 ± 160 neurons, most somata (83%) were choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactive, whereas 4% were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreac

SUBMITTER: Rysevaite K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3081960 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature