Abstract
The distribution of Catecholamine- and neuropeptide-containing nerve fibers was examined immunohistochemically in the human palatine tonsil. Frozen sections of immersion-fixed palatine tonsils were immunostained for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).Fine nerve fibers with a varicose profile which contained distinct immunoreactivity to each marker substance were found localized to the tonsillar hilus, connective tissue, septum and/or blood vessel wall in the interstitial spaces. In the germinal center and the extranodular lymphatic tissue of the tonsil, TH-, VIP-, NPY- and SOM-immunoreactive nerves were seen to travel for a short distance over lymphocytes. VIP-immunoreactive fibers were also distributed densely around the glandular mucous cells situated adjacent to the tonsil. In regard to the chemical innervation of other lymphatic tissues reported previously, both autonomic inflow systems and peripheral afferents were found to contribute directly to the neuro-immune communications in the lymphatic areas and the interstitium of the palatine tonsil.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
