Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide-27 – like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the mucosal layer of canine gastrointestinal tract in physiology and during inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Abstract Changes in the density of mucosal pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide-27 -like immunoreactive (PACAP-27 - LI) nerve fibers within various parts of the canine gastrointestinal (GI) tract during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were investigated. The distribution of nerves were studied, using a single-labelling immunofluorescence technique, in the mucosal layer of canine stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and descending colon. Canine IBD caused an increase in the density of PACAP- 27-LI mucosal nerves in all studied parts of GI tract. The results suggest that PACAP in the nervous system may be involved in pathological processes during IBD.