Abstract

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is an accessory olfactory device related to reproductive behavior. The soft tissue of the tubular organ is composed of sensory/non-sensory epithelia and a highly developed vasculature, which in the latter the dilation and contraction of blood vessels are thought to contribute to pumping in and out luminal fluid or air, like penile erectile tissue. The present histological observation of the murine VNO revealed a more complicated vasculature than previously evaluated ones with large differences along the rostro-caudal axis. An immunohistochemical study for vasoactive substances displayed extremely dense innervation by cholinergic nerves containing nitric oxide synthase and VIP/PHI in the thick smooth muscle layer surrounding venous sinuses at light and electron microscopic levels. Furthermore, the differential distribution of cholinergic nerves and adrenergic nerves may provide a novel insight into the pumping mechanism of VNO.

Full Text
Paper version not known

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.