The synaptic connections between substance P-positive nerve terminals and principal neurons in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

Abstract

Using immunoelectron microscopy to observe the distribution of substance P-positive nerve terminals in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat, the authors found that the substance P-containing nerve terminals appear in the neuropil or around the perikarya of the principal neurons and form symmetrical axo-somatic synapses with the body of the principal neurons. Morphological features described suggest that substance P might play a certain role in regulating sympathetic function.

Keywords

substance P / sympathetic ganglion / synapse / immunocytochemistry