Nitric oxide synthase-containing, peptide-containing, and acetylcholinesterase-positive nerves in the cat lower oesophagus

Summary The innervation of the cat lower oesophagus, including the lower oesophageal sphincter, was studied by enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy. In the lower oesophageal sphincter, and at a level 2 cm above it, no apparent differences were seen in the nerve distribution pattern. Among the nerve populations studied, acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive nerves were the most abundant in both these regions. The density of AChE-positive nerves was particularly marked in the circular muscle layer. A rich supply of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing nerves was identified by using an antiserum against neuronal NOS, or by enzyme histochemical staining for NADPH diaphorase activity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerves had a similar distribution pattern as NOS-immunoreactive nerves, and nerves displaying immunoreactivity for NOS and VIP often showed profiles coinciding with AChE-positive nerves. As judged by confocal microscopy, immunoreactivities for helospectin, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and VIP, to a large extent were found in the same nerves. At a level 7 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter, the total nerve supply was less than in the sphincter itself and 2 cm above it. Immunoreactivity towards VIP, PACAP and helospectin was also found to co-exist with NOS and neuropeptide Y within the same nerve structures. It is concluded that there is an intricate innervation pattern in the feline lower oesophagus reflecting the complexity in the regulation of its motility.