Distribution and chemical coding patterns of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript-like immunoreactive (CART-LI) neurons in the enteric nervous system of the porcine stomach cardia

Pol J Vet Sci. 2015;18(3):515-22. doi: 10.1515/pjvs-2015-0067.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript-like immunoreactive (CART-LI) neurons and co-localisation of CART with vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and leu-enkephalin (LENK) in the enteric nervous system of the porcine gastric cardia by using a double-labelling immunofluorescence technique. CART-LI neurons were observed in the myenteric plexus (18.2±2.6%). A dense network of CART-LI nerve fibers was mainly observed in the muscular layer. CART showed co-localization mainly with VAChT, n-NOS, VIP and to a lesser degree with LENK and SP. Distribution of CART and its co-localization with other neurotransmitters suggest that this peptide plays an important role in gastric motility in the pig.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardia / innervation*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / classification
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Swine / physiology*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins