Decentralisation of neurones in the pelvic ganglion of the guinea-pig: reinnervation by adrenergic nerves

Cell Tissue Res. 1983;232(2):399-411. doi: 10.1007/BF00213795.

Abstract

An electron-microscopic study has been made of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres and synapses in the pelvic ganglion of the guinea-pig at intervals of up to 60 days following section of the hypogastric and pelvic nerves. Transection of the hypogastric nerves led to degeneration of 80-90% of the cholinergic nerve profiles and synapses in the ganglion. The small number of adrenergic nerves and synapses did not change, but 30-60 days after section, this number increased 8-10 times. Transection of the pelvic nerves led to degeneration of about 15% of the cholinergic nerve terminals, but no change in adrenergic terminals. After transection of both hypogastric and pelvic nerves, only about 1% of cholinergic nerves survived, but after 30-60 days, the number of adrenergic nerves increased 8-10 times. It is concluded that following cholinergic nerve degeneration in the ganglion, adrenergic nerves, probably originating as collateral sprouts from postganglionic neurones and granule-containing cells, can replace them to some extent.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Fibers / ultrastructure*
  • Animals
  • Cholinergic Fibers / ultrastructure*
  • Ganglia, Autonomic / ultrastructure*
  • Guinea Pigs / anatomy & histology*
  • Hydroxydopamines / metabolism
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nerve Degeneration
  • Nerve Regeneration*
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Norepinephrine / metabolism
  • Pelvis / innervation*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Hydroxydopamines
  • 5-hydroxydopamine
  • Norepinephrine