Galanin-like immunoreactivity in capsaicin sensitive sensory neurons and ganglia

Galanin-positive nerves of trigeminal origin innervate rat cerebral vessels

(GAL)-positive nerve fibers in rat cerebral vessels were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, and their origin in the trigeminal ganglia and pathway in the nasociliary nerve to the vessels was shown by retrograde tracer technique and nerve transection. Some fibres in the vertebrobasilar system appear to originate in extracranial sources. With the antiserum used only few GAL fibers could be seen in the vessels, mostly in the vertebrobasilar system. In neonatally sympathectomized animals a rich network could be visualized in most pial arteries - still particularly in the vertebrobasilar system - probably as a result of a diminished competition for nerve growth factor. No vasomotor effect of GAL could be detected in isolated segments of pial arteries, neither in normal nor in sympathectomized animals, which rules out a direct postsynaptic effect on vascular tone. GAL did not display prejunctional modulatory action on the adrenergic nerves present in the vascular preparations. A sensory function of GAL is discussed.

The effects of intrathecal galanin and C-fiber stimulation on the flexor reflex in the rat

Galanin (GAL) was applied intrathecally (i.t.) at the lumbar level in decerebrate, spinalized, unanesthetized rats. GAL had no effect on the amplitude of the monosynaptic reflex over a wide concentration range, but at low concentrations if briefly facilitated the flexor reflex and at higher concentrations the facilitation was sometimes followed by a depression. GAL decreased the facilitatory effect of a conditioning stimulus train to C-fibers in the sural nerve. The depressive effect of GAL could be prevented by the i.t. coadministration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), but not substance P (SP) and was not reversed by i.t. naloxone or bicuculline. The results illustrate the complex effect of GAL on the spinal cord, possibly exhibiting a biphasic effect. The observed effects on the flexor reflex are probably not due to changes in the excitability of motoneurons. Descending inhibitory pathways or local inhibitory non-GAL interneurons probably are not involved in the depressive effect of GAL. The possibility that the observed effects are related to primary sensory afferents containing not only GAL but also CGRP, and/or to local GAL neurons in the dorsal horn is discussed.

Neurotransmitter phenotype plasticity in cultured dissociated adult rat dorsal root ganglia: an immunocytochemical study

Culturing sympathetic ganglion neurons in vitro may modify phenotypic expression of some neurotransmitters. For dorsal root ganglia (DRG), contradictory results have been reported; most studies have used immature material. We have therefore performed a detailed immunocytochemical analysis of the transmitter content of cultured adult rat DRG neurons. To demonstrate possible modifications of neurotransmitter phenotypes, we have compared the results obtained with the same techniques on neurons cultured for 3 days and on freshly dissociated DRG cells. Also, the transmitter profile of cultured neurons was compared with that known from in situ studies. Out of 22 antigens studied, 20 were detected in cultured DRG neurons. All of them were expressed in small and/or intermediate-sized cells. Large neurons only contained CGRP, VIP, NPY, beta-END, ENK, and GABA. The percentage of immunostained neurons varied for the various antisera: less than 10% of cultured neurons were positive for ENK, beta-LPH, beta-END, DYN, VASO, and OXY; 10-30% for SOM, CCK, CAT, and SP; and greater than 30% for NPY, CRF, GLU, NT, VIP, GABA, GRP, CGRP, 5-HT, and TRH. In the latter two groups of transmitters (except CGRP), the proportion of immunoreactive neurons was by far larger in cultured than in freshly dissociated DRG. The most pronounced (greater than 25%) increase in the proportion of positively stained neurons after culturing was observed for the GRP, CRF, TRH, and 5-HT antisera. Serotonin was the only transmitter identified in cultured but not in freshly dissociated cells. These data indicate, on one hand, that various antigens, for example, CAT, GABA, NT, TRH, NPY, beta-LPH, and beta-END, which up to now have not been described in DRG in situ, can be detected immunocytochemically a few hours after dissociation of adult rat DRG. On the other hand, several transmitters, for example, VIP, NPY, SP, GABA, GLU, NT, GRP, CRF, TRH, and 5-HT, are expressed in a significantly higher proportion of cells in cultured than in freshly dissociated preparations. This might reflect a change in the phenotypic expression of transmitters due to the new environment generated by the culture conditions, a hypothesis that can be tested by measuring specific mRNA levels. Moreover, considering the plasticity and multipotentiality of their transmitter phenotype, cultured adult DRG neurons might represent an interesting material for autografts into the injured central nervous system.

Neuropeptide expression in rat dorsal root ganglion cells and spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury with special reference to galanin

The temporal course of changes in peptide expression in the dorsal root ganglia L4 and L5 and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord has been studied in rats subjected to a sciatic nerve transection at a mid-thigh level following different survival times. Galanin-, substance P-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-, peptide histidine-isoleucine- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivities have been studied both by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay. Galanin messenger ribonucleic acid has also been studied by in situ hybridization in the dorsal root ganglia of normal and lesioned animals. In addition, a group of animals with a sciatic nerve crush was studied to compare possible differences in peptide expression after both types of lesions. The results show that the transection induces an increase in the number of cell bodies expressing galanin-like immunoreactivity in the ganglia, and that the galanin levels rise about 120-fold after three and 14 days of survival. This increase reflected increased synthesis of the peptide, since there was a rise in the galanin messenger ribonucleic acid already at 24 h post-lesion, which was maintained for at least 60 days. In the spinal cord there was an increase of staining in the midportion of the outer layers of the dorsal horn that corresponded to fibers thought to arise from cells of the dorsal root ganglia affected by the transection. Also a depletion of substance P-like and an increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- and peptide histidine-isoleucine-like immunoreactivities in the dorsal root ganglia were confirmed. These changes were shown to be rapidly detectable and were paralleled by similar changes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. For calcitonin gene-related peptide the immunohistochemistry was inconclusive, and the radioimmunoassay showed no detectable changes. After nerve crush a transient increase in the number of galanin immunoreactive neurons was observed, as well as a decrease in the number of neurons showing substance P-like immunoreactivity. These changes were most noticeable between six and 14 days of survival. After this, peptide expression seemed to return slowly to normal, that is by day 45 post-crush only a few cells showed galanin-like, and many sensory neurons expressed substance P-like immunoreactivity. The results demonstrate that when primary sensory neurons are peripherally lesioned they respond in a complex manner, altering their normal production of peptides by increasing or decreasing their synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Release of sensory neuropeptides in the spinal cord: studies with calcitonin gene-related peptide and galanin

In anaesthetized cats, antibody microprobes were used to investigate the release of immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide and galanin in the lower lumbar spinal cord. In the absence of applied stimulation, a basal release of both peptides was detected at the level of the substantia gelatinosa. This release of calcitonin gene-related peptide was not altered by innocuous thermal cutaneous stimulation nor by electrical stimulation of low-threshold myelinated primary afferent fibres, but was increased by noxious thermal or noxious mechanical cutaneous stimuli and by electrical stimulation of unmyelinated primary afferents. A simultaneous release of both calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P was detected in the substantia gelatinosa region by the use of pairs of microprobes. In contrast, none of the peripheral stimulation procedures increased intraspinal galanin release. The results suggest that the spinal transmission of nociceptive information may involve the simultaneous release and action of several neuropeptides within the superficial layers of the dorsal horn.

Galanin-like immunoreactive nerve elements in the small intestine of the rat. An electron microscopic immunocytochemical study

Nerve cell bodies and fibres showing galanin-like immunoreactivity have been demonstrated in rat small intestine using immunocytochemistry. Immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in both the myenteric and the submucous plexuses. Immunoreactive nerve fibres were observed in all layers of the small intestine, especially in both plexuses and in the inner circular muscle layer. The immunoreactive nerve processes were found in close association (sometimes separated by less than 40 nm) with smooth muscle cells. These terminals contained both agranular vesicles (30-40 nm) and large granular vesicles (80-120 nm). Immunoreactive nerve fibres were sometimes seen in perivascular plexuses. It is concluded that, in rat small intestine, neurones expressing galanin-like immunoreactivity project to several different sites and may participate in a number of mechanisms, including the regulation of smooth muscle activity, mucosal cell secretion and blood flow; galanin may also be involved in interneuronal activity.

Idazoxan blocks the action of noradrenaline but not spinal inhibition from electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus and nucleus Kolliker-Fuse of the cat

The effects of idazoxan, a specific alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, on spinal inhibition by administration of noradrenaline and from electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral pons were studied in 26 cats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. The excitation of dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord by noxious heating of the skin or by impulses in unmyelinated primary afferent fibres was markedly reduced when noradrenaline was administered microelectrophoretically in the substantia gelatinosa or near cell bodies. Electrical stimulation of the region of the locus coeruleus selectively inhibited spinal nociceptive transmission when dorsal horn neurons were excited by noxious and non-noxious stimuli. In contrast to stimulation of the locus coeruleus, stimulation of the nucleus Kolliker-Fuse produced non-selective inhibition of both nociceptive and non-nociceptive responses of dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord. Microelectrophoretic ejection of idazoxan reduced or abolished noradrenaline-induced inhibition with 19 of 20 neurons. This antagonist did not alter inhibition from stimulation of the locus coeruleus and the nucleus Kolliker-Fuse, regardless of whether it was administered microelectrophoretically (11 neurons), systemically (3 neurons) or topically (4 neurons). The results suggest that alpha 2-adrenoceptors do not mediate inhibition of spinal nociceptive transmission from electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus and the nucleus Kolliker-Fuse. Other possibilities for the failure of idazoxan to modify inhibition from such stimulation are discussed.

Intrathecal galanin at low doses increases spinal reflex excitability in rats more to thermal than mechanical stimuli

The neuropeptide galanin (GAL) was injected intrathecally (i.t.) in decerebrate, spinalized, unanesthetized rats and its effect on the nocifensive flexor reflex was examined. The reflex, which was evoked by intense mechanical or thermal stimulation of the foot, was recorded from the ipsilateral hamstring muscles. I.t. GAL increased reflex excitability significantly more to thermal than to mechanical stimuli. It is suggested that GAL, which is present in sensory fibers that innervate the skin, is released by the central terminals of cutaneous afferents that are much more sensitive to thermal than to mechanical stimuli.

The sensory-efferent function of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons

Capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons convey to the central nervous system signals (chemical and physical) arising from viscera and the skin which activate a variety of visceromotor and neuroendocrine reflexes integrated at various levels (intramurally in peripheral organs, at level of prevertebral ganglia, spinal and supraspinal level). Much evidence is now available that peripheral terminals of certain sensory neurons, widely distributed in skin and viscera have the ability to release, upon adequate stimulation, their transmitter content. In addition to the well-known "axon reflex" arrangement, the capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons have the ability to release the stored transmitter also from the same terminal which is excited by the environmental stimulus. The efferent function of these sensory neurons is realized through the direct and indirect (i.e. mediated by activation of other cells) effects of released mediators. The action of released transmitters on postjunctional elements covers a wide range of effects which may have a physiological or pathological relevance. Development of drugs capable of controlling the sensory-efferent functions of the capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons represent a new and very promising area of research for pharmacological treatment of various human diseases.

Effect of galanin on gastrin and somatostatin release from the rat stomach

Galanin has been shown to be present in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and CNS. In the rat stomach, immunohistochemical studies have revealed the presence of galanin in the intrinsic nervous system suggesting a function as putative neurotransmitter or neuromodulator which could affect neighbouring exo- or endocrine cells. Therefore this study was performed to determine the effect of galanin on the secretion of gastrin and somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) from the isolated perfused rat stomach. The stomach was perfused via the celiac artery and the venous effluent was collected from the portal vein. The luminal content was kept at pH 2 or 7 Galanin at a concentration of 10(-10), 10(-9) and 10(-8) M inhibited basal gastrin release by 60-70% (60-100 pg/min; p less than 0.05) at luminal pH 7. At luminal pH 2 higher concentrations of galanin (10(-9) and 10(-8) M) decreased basal gastrin secretion by 60-70% (60-100 pg/min; p less than 0.05). This inhibitory effect was also present during infusion of neuromedin-C, a mammalian bombesin-like peptide that stimulates gastrin release. SLI secretion remained unchanged during galanin administration. The inhibitory action of galanin on gastrin secretion was also present during the infusion of tetrodotoxin suggesting that this effect is not mediated via neural pathways. The present data demonstrate that galanin is an inhibitor of basal and stimulated gastrin secretion and has to be considered as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which could participate in the regulation of gastric G-cell function.

Effects of intrathecal administration of neuropeptides on a spinal nociceptive reflex in the rat: VIP, galanin, CGRP, TRH, somatostatin and angiotensin II

The present study examines the effects of intrathecal administration of selected peptides on nociceptive responses in the rat. Each peptide was delivered via a chronically implanted catheter to the L5 vertebral level. In the tail flick test, VIP (0.65-6.5 nmoles) produced a dose-dependent decrease in reaction time (RT) from 1 to 6-16 min after injection; 6.5 nmoles decreased RT to 37% of control value at 1 min after injection. Galanin (0.65-6.5 nmoles) produced a dose-dependent increase in reaction time at 1 and 6 min; at high doses, many of the rats failed to flick the tail. CGRP (6.5 nmoles) produced a small, transient decrease in RT to 73% of control values at 1 min; 3.25 nmoles were without effect. CSF and 6.5 nmoles of somatostatin, TRH and angiotensin II were without effect. At high doses of galanin and CGRP, rats vocalized to innocuous touch of the tail, as reported for substance P. Von Frey hairs were thus applied to the tail after 6.5 nmoles of VIP, galanin, CGRP or substance P. Vocalization in response to a previously innocuous pressure stimulus was observed at 30 s after injection in all rats given galanin and some rats given CGRP or substance P; the effect lasted 4-8 min. VIP and CSF had no effect. These results suggest that VIP, galanin, CGRP and substance P may act as excitatory agents in nociceptive pathways and that specific peptides may function in the different types of pain modalities; VIP in thermal, galanin in mechanical and substance P and CGRP in both.

Increase of galanin-like immunoreactivity in rat dorsal root ganglion cells after peripheral axotomy

The L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia were studied in untreated rats and rats subjected to unilateral transection of the sciatic nerve, using the indirect immunofluorescence technique and antibodies to the peptide galanin (GAL). In control rats only low numbers of small ganglion cells contained GAL-like immunoreactivity (LI). After axotomy a marked increase in the number and intensity of GAL-immunoreactive ganglion cell bodies was seen on the lesion side. Thus, some primary sensory neurons react to transection of their peripheral branches by expressing increased GAL levels. A similar reaction has been described by other groups for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide.

Effect of galanin on the opossum lower esophageal sphincter

The objective of this investigation was to examine the effect of galanin on the resting tone and neurally mediated relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in anesthetized opossums. Galanin caused a dose-dependent rise in the sphincter pressure when given either intra-arterially or intravenously. The D50 of intra-arterial galanin was 1.OX10(-11) mols/kg. The rise in the sphincter pressure caused by galanin was not modified by atropine, phentolamine, methysergide, pyrilamine or indomethacin. Furthermore, the contractile response of galanin on the LES was also not affected by tetrodotoxin. The fall in the sphincter pressure in response to vagal efferent stimulation, intramural stimulation or esophageal distension was antagonized by galanin. The results of these studies suggest that, 1) galanin causes sphincter contraction by its direct action on the smooth muscle, and 2) galanin suppresses LES relaxation. These studies suggest that galanin may be an important neuropeptide for the modulation of resting tone and LES relaxation.

Galanin- and neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivities coexist in paravertebral sympathetic neurones of the cat

Paraffin sections of feline cervicothoracic sympathetic ganglia were investigated for galanin-like immunoreactivity (galanin-LI) by means of immunohistochemistry. Galanin-LI was observed in postganglionic neurones, which, as revealed by investigation of adjacent sections, also displayed neuropeptide Y (NPY)-LI. Additional NPY-LI ganglion cells were devoid of galanin-LI. Galanin-LI did not coexist with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-LI in neurones. Galanin-LI nerve fibres and paraganglionic cells were few in number. The findings suggest that galanin may participate in sympathetic control of organ function.

Pathway-specific patterns of the co-existence of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, cholecystokinin and dynorphin in neurons of the dorsal root ganglia of the guinea-pig

The co-existence of immunoreactivities to substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK) and dynorphin (DYN) in neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of guinea-pigs has been investigated with a double-labeling immunofluorescence procedure. Four main populations of neurons could be identified that contained different combinations of these peptides and had distinctive peripheral projections: (Neurons that contained immunoreactivity to SP, CGRP, CCK and DYN were distributed mainly to the skin. Neurons with immunoreactivity to SP, CGRP and CCK, but not DYN, were distributed mainly to the small blood vessels of skeletal muscles. Neurons with immunoreactivity to SP, CGRP and DYN, but not CCK, were distributed mainly to pelvic viscera and airways. Neurons containing immunoreactivity to SP and CGRP, but not CCK and DYN, were distributed mainly to the heart, systemic blood vessels, blood vessels of the abdominal viscera, airways and sympathetic ganglia. Other small populations of DRG neurons containing SP, CGRP or CCK alone also were detected. Perikarya containing these combinations of neuropeptides were not found in autonomic ganglia. The peripheral axons of neurons containing immunoreactivity to at least SP and CGRP were damaged by chronic treatment with capsaicin. However, some sensory neurons containing CCK alone were not affected morphologically by capsaicin. These results clearly show that individual DRG neurons can contain many different neuropeptides. Furthermore, the combination of neuropeptides found in any particular neuron is related to its peripheral projection.

Evidence for an inhibitory effect of the peptide galanin on dopamine release from the rat median eminence

The role of the neuropeptide galanin (GAL) in rat hypothalamus has been studied in different experimental models. Thus, the effect of GAL on potassium-induced dopamine release was analyzed in vitro, and the localization of GAL and GAL binding sites was studied with immunohistochemistry and receptor autoradiography, respectively. In the median eminence GAL and presumably dopamine were found to coexist in nerve endings and this area contained a high density of 125I-GAL binding sites. In vitro experiments revealed that GAL inhibited the release of [3H]dopamine in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 7-10 nM), possibly via a presynaptic receptor.

Autoradiographic distribution of 125I-galanin binding sites in the rat central nervous system

Galanin (GAL) binding sites in coronal sections of the rat brain were demonstrated using autoradiographic methods. Scatchard analysis of 125I-GAL binding to slide-mounted tissue sections revealed saturable binding to a single class of receptors with a Kd of approximately 0.2 nM. 125I-GAL binding sites were demonstrated throughout the rat central nervous system. Dense binding was observed in the following areas: prefrontal cortex, the anterior nuclei of the olfactory bulb, several nuclei of the amygdaloid complex, the dorsal septal area, dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the ventral pallidum, the internal medullary laminae of the thalamus, medial pretectal nucleus, nucleus of the medial optic tract, borderline area of the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus adjacent to the spinal trigeminal tract, the substantia gelatinosa and the superficial layers of the dorsal spinal cord. Moderate binding was observed in the piriform, periamygdaloid, entorhinal, insular cortex and the subiculum, the nucleus accumbens, medial forebrain bundle, anterior hypothalamic, ventromedial, dorsal premamillary, lateral and periventricular thalamic nuclei, the subzona incerta, Forel's field H1 and H2, periventricular gray matter, medial and superficial gray strata of the superior colliculus, dorsal parts of the central gray, peripeduncular area, the interpeduncular nucleus, substantia nigra zona compacta, ventral tegmental area, the dorsal and ventral parabrachial and parvocellular reticular nuclei. The preponderance of GAL-binding in somatosensory as well as in limbic areas suggests a possible involvement of GAL in a variety of brain functions.

Inhibitory effects of galanin on the isolated spinal cord of the newborn rat

The effects of galanin, a 29-amino-acid peptide, on spinal reflexes were studied. In the isolated hemisected spinal cord of the newborn rat, galanin (0.1-5 microM) depressed the monosynaptic reflex that was induced by dorsal root stimulation and recorded from the corresponding ventral root. In the isolated spinal cord-tail preparation of the newborn rat, galanin (0.3-0.6 microM) depressed the nociceptive reflex that was induced by application of capsaicin to the tail and recorded from a lumbar ventral root. In both preparations the inhibitory effects of galanin were reversible and the full recovery of the reflexes was observed within 3-20 min after removal of the peptide. The mechanisms of action of galanin on the spinal reflexes and the physiological role of the peptide in the spinal cord are discussed.

Distribution and molecular heterogeneity of galanin in human, pig, guinea pig, and rat gastrointestinal tracts

Galanin was measured by radioimmunoassay in whole thickness extracts of the gastrointestinal wall from four species and in extracts from separate layers of human small intestine. The immunoreactivity was characterized using gel chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Two antibodies were employed, which were characterized as non-C-terminal (Gal 8) and C-terminal (Gal 9) using a C-terminal galanin 10-29 fragment. Substantial quantities of galanin immunoreactivity were found, mainly localized at the muscle layer. Both intramolecular and intermolecular heterogeneity was apparent. Two molecular forms exist in humans (Kav 0.58, 0.69). The molecular heterogeneity in humans, rats, and guinea pigs may be localized near the C-terminus of the galanin molecule. A C-terminal extension of one human galanin form is likely (Kav 0.58). These findings give radioimmunologic evidence for a neurocrine origin of galanin. The chromatographic variations suggest that extrapolation of experimental results between species should be treated with caution.

Immunocytochemical localization of atrial natriuretic factor, galanin and calcitonin gene-related peptide within the rat interpeduncular nucleus

The immunocytochemical localization of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), galanin (GAL), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in specific subnuclei of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) was determined by immunocytochemistry in rats with and without intraventricular colchicine injection. ANF-positive processes were present within the ovoid regions of the rostral subnucleus, the dorsal lateral subnuclei, and were densely concentrated along the medial aspects of the lateral subnuclei in the caudal half of the IPN. GAL-positive processes were concentrated within the lateral subnuclei, in a narrow band extending over the central and intermediate subnuclei, and within the central subnuclei. GAL-positive cell bodies were present in a narrow band ventral to the rostral subnucleus, and in the ventrolateral corners of the caudal IPN. CGRP-positive processes were primarily localized within the dorsal lateral subnuclei and dorsal aspects of the lateral subnuclei. The presence of ANF, GAL and CGRP peptides within the IPN in patterns similar to previously described localizations of substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, serotonin and Leu-enkephalin provides a morphologic basis for modulation of complex physiological actions yet to be elucidated.

Quantitative distribution of galanin-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system

Using an antiserum directed against synthetic galanin (GAL) a sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed. The antiserum interaction with GAL was characterized by displacement curve characteristics and high performance liquid chromatography. Besides the main GAL-immunoreactive peak several small peaks with GAL-like immunoreactivity were observed. No cross-reactivity of the GAL-antiserum with several other peptides was observed. GAL-like immunoreactivity was measured in 37 microdissected areas of the rat central nervous system. High concentrations (greater than 2000 fmol/mg protein) were observed in the amygdaloid nuclei, the septum, globus pallidus, bed nuclei of the stria terminalis, all hypothalamic nuclei, the superior colliculus, locus coeruleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract and the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary. Moderate concentrations (1000-2000 fmol/mg protein) were observed in the hippocampus, the nucleus accumbens and nucleus of the diagonal tract, the caudate-putamen, the central gray, the nucleus, tract and substantia gelatinosa of the spinal trigeminal nerve. The results generally correlate with those previously published by immunocytochemistry. The widespread distribution of GAL-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system suggests an involvement of GAL in a variety of brain functions.

Chromatographic evidence for high-molecular-mass galanin immunoreactivity in pig and cat adrenal glands

Galanin was measured by radioimmunoassay in extracts of pig, cat and rat adrenals using non-C- and mid to C-terminally directed antibodies. The extracts were fractioned by gel chromatography and HPLC. The non-C-terminal galanin immunoreactivity in pig was 92.8 +/- 11.7 pmol/g, in cat 9.1 +/- 0.9 pmol/g and in rat less than 1 pmol/g. Two higher molecular forms of galanin have been identified in both pig and cat adrenal. One major large form behaves as if it was N-terminally extended (Kav pig 0.58, cat 0.48) and the other, a very high-molecular-mass form (Kav pig 0.10, 0.24, cat 0.10), as if it had both N- and C-terminal extensions.

Capsaicin pretreatment reduces the gastric acid secretion elicited by histamine but does not affect the responses to carbachol and pentagastrin

Gastric acid secretion was studied following stimulation with a subcutaneous injection of histamine (0.1, 0.5 or 5 mg/kg), carbachol (4, 40 or 160 micrograms/kg) or pentagastrin (25 or 250 micrograms/kg) in conscious rats pretreated with either capsaicin or the vehicle. The secretory response to histamine (0.5 or 5 mg/kg) was greatly reduced in the capsaicin-treated rats, while the slight effect of 0.1 mg/kg histamine and the increase of secretion in response to carbachol and pentagastrin were not affected. The basal secretion was also normal in the capsaicin-treated rats. It is suggested that unlike the effects of carbachol and pentagastrin, the increase of acid secretion elicited by histamine involves a capsaicin-sensitive mechanism. Since capsaicin is a specific neurotoxin for the peptide-containing primary sensory neurons, the present results may indicate that the neurons contribute essentially to the effect of histamine on gastric acid secretion.

Immunohistochemical mapping of galanin-like neurons in the rat central nervous system

Using an antiserum generated in rabbits against synthetic galanin (GA) and the indirect immunofluorescence method, the distribution of GA-like immunoreactive cell bodies and nerve fibers was studied in the rat central nervous system (CNS) and a detailed stereotaxic atlas of GA-like neurons was prepared. GA-like immunoreactivity was widely distributed in the rat CNS. Appreciable numbers of GA-positive cell bodies were observed in the rostral cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex, the nucleus interstitialis striae terminalis, the caudate, medial preoptic, preoptic periventricular, and preoptic suprachiasmatic nuclei, the medial forebrain bundle, the supraoptic, the hypothalamic periventricular, the paraventricular, the arcuate, dorsomedial, perifornical, thalamic periventricular, anterior dorsal and lateral thalamic nuclei, medial and central amygdaloid nuclei, dorsal and ventral premamillary nuclei, at the base of the hypothalamus, in the central gray matter, the hippocampus, the dorsal and caudoventral raphe nuclei, the interpeduncular nucleus, the locus coeruleus, ventral parabrachial, solitarii and commissuralis nuclei, in the A1, C1 and A4 catechaolamine areas, the posterior area postrema and the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. Fibers were generally seen where cell bodies were observed. Very dense fiber bundles were noted in the septohypothalamic tract, the preoptic area, in the hypothalamus, the habenula and the thalamic periventricular nucleus, in the ventral hippocampus, parts of the reticular formation, in the locus coeruleus, the dorsal parabrachial area, the nucleus and tract of the spinal trigeminal area and the substantia gelatinosa, the superficial layers of the spinal cord and the posterior lobe of the pituitary. The localization of the GA-like immunoreactivity in the locus coeruleus suggests a partial coexistence with catecholaminergic neurons as well as a possible involvement of the GA-like peptide in a neuroregulatory role.