Chapter 10 Neuropeptides in spinal cord

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the distribution, ontogeny, fibre connections, and fine structures of the individual peptides, and presents their distribution. The distribution of specific neuropeptides in the spinal cord has been described. The most characteristic feature of their distribution is the very high concentration of immunoreactive structures in the dorsal horn. SRIF-, SP-, CGRP-, ENK-, NT-, VIP-, CCK-, NPY- and BN-GRP-like immunoreactivities are particularly concentrated in the dorsal horn, suggesting that these peptides are closely involved with sensory functions. Because SRIF-, SP-, CGRP-, and VIP-LIr neurons are seen in the dorsal root ganglia, it is certain that many of the immunoreactive fibres seen in the dorsal horn are supplied by these cells located in the ganglia. As some ENK- and BN-GRP-LIr neurons are also detected in the dorsal root ganglia (probably also CCK), it is likely that these peptides may also contribute to the spinal function as components of the primary sensory afferents. Among the peptidergic neurons found in the dorsal ganglia, the coexistence of CGRP-LI and SP-LI in single cells is clearly established.