Abstract
The occurrence and distribution of the preferred receptor for the neuropeptide, substance P (SP), the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) was investigated in the vascular supply of the rat sciatic nerve. Messenger RNA for NK1R was demonstrated by RT-PCR in the epineurial layer where the majority of small arteries and arterioles feeding the endoneurial vasculature are located. Immunoreactivity to NK1R-protein was localized on the smooth muscle cells of these arterial vessels by means of immunofluorescence using a polyclonal NK1R antiserum. This muscular localization of NK1R explains the previously reported [Zochodne, D.W. and Ho, L.T., J. Physiol. 444 (1991) 615- 630] moderate vasoconstrictor rather than vasodilator effects of SP in this vascular bed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 119-122 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Neuroscience letters |
| Volume | 259 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Jan 1999 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Artery
- Immunohistochemistry
- Peripheral nerve
- Substance P
- Substance P receptor
- Tachykinin receptor
- Vasa nervorum