The occurrence of small, intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells in human sympathetic ganglia

Expression of the gap junction protein connexin36 in small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells in cardiac parasympathetic ganglia of rodents

In mammals, several endocrine cell types are electrically coupled by connexin36 (Cx36)-containing gap junctions, which mediate intercellular communication and allow regulated and synchronized cellular activity through exchange of ions and small metabolites via formation of intercellular channels that link plasma membranes of apposing cells. One cell type thought to be endocrine-like in nature are small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells that store catecholamines in their dense-core vesicles and reside in autonomic ganglia. Here, using immunofluorescence approaches, we examined whether SIF cells located specifically in cardiac parasympathetic ganglia of adult and neonatal mice and adult rats follow patterns of Cx36 expression seen in other endocrine cells. In these ganglia, SIF cells were identified by their distinct small soma size, autofluorescence at 475 nm, and immunolabelling for their markers tyrosine hydroxylase and vesicular monoamine transporter-1. SIF cells were often found in pairs or clusters among principal cholinergic neurons. Immunofluorescence labelling of Cx36 occurred exclusively as fine puncta that appeared at contacts between SIF cell processes and somata or at somato-somatic appositions of SIF cells. These puncta were absent in cardiac parasympathetic ganglia of Cx36 null mice. Transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter for Cx36 expression displayed labelling for the reporter in SIF cells. The results suggest that Cx36-containing gap junctions electrically couple SIF cells, which is consistent with previous suggestions that these may be classified as endocrine-type cells that secrete catecholamines into the bloodstream in a regulated manner.

Microvascular organization of sympathetic ganglia, with special reference to small intensely-fluorescent cells

The vascular organization of sympathetic ganglia has been reviewed in relation to type II small intensely-fluorescent (SIF) cells. These cells are considered to be secretory cells forming large clusters surrounded by fenestrated capillaries. Immunohistochemical studies have revealed the existence of many kinds of peptides, in addition to catecholamines, in type II SIF cells. These transmitters are thought to enter the bloodstream, perfuse the adjacent ganglionic tissue, and modify the synaptic transmission and activity of sympathetic ganglionic neurons. Several authors reported portal-like intraganglionic microcirculation through which type II SIF cells participate in modulation of the principal ganglionic neurons. One large intraganglionic portal sinus located between SIF cells and principal ganglionic neurons was also reported in the inferior mesenteric ganglion. However, some authors claimed that transmitters could be absorbed through numerous capillary anastomoses, without any portal system in the superior cervical ganglion. It is noticed that the number, size, and partition of SIF-cell clusters are variable in different ganglia and different animal species. It is important to interpret the functional and morphological correlates of intraganglionic microcirculation based on the species and location of ganglia.

Nerve endings in human sympathetic ganglia

Forty-eight human sympathetic ganglia from 22 sympathectomies were examined ultrastructurally after one of three different fixations: (1) glutaraldehyde + osmium tetroxide, (2) glutaraldehyde + potassium dichromate + osmium tetroxide, or (3) potassium permanganate. Three different kinds of synapsing nerve ending could be identified after all fixation schedules. Type 1: "Cholinergic," containing small, agranular vesicles 40-60 nm in diameter (75% of all vesicles) and some large granular vesicles (100 nm in diameter). The number of type 1 profiles decreased with increasing age. Type 2: "Adrenergic," containing small granular vesicles 40-70 nm in diameter (over 90% of the vesicles). Type 3: "Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic," characterized by large opaque vesicles 80 -160 nm in diameter (over 50% of all vesicles). The frequencies of the types were counted after potassium permanganate fixation: type 1 - 71%, type 2 - 23%, and type 3 - 6%. In addition, at least two types of nerve profiles were observed which did not form synapses: (1) profiles entirely filled with mitochondria (mitochondrial accumulation), and (2) large nerve profiles full of different kinds of vesicles, myelin figures, and mitochondria (axonal dilatation). It is concluded that the sympathetic ganglion cells receive cholinergic and adrenergic innervation and also a third type of innervation, the possible peptidergic nature of which is discussed.