DISTRIBUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSTANCE P(SP)-, L-ENKEPHALIN (L-ENK)-AND SEROTONIN(5-HT)-LIKE IMMUNO-REACTIVITY IN GUDDEN'S DORSAL TEG-MENTAL NUCLEUS IN THE HUMAN FOETUS AND NEONATE——AN IMMUNOHISTO-CHEMICAL STUDY / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Using immunohistochemical technique, the distribution and development of substance P (SP)-, L-enkephalin (L-Enk)- and serotonin (5-HT)-like immunoreactivity in Gudden's dorsal tegmental nucleus (GDTN) of human foetus (fetal age 11.5 to 35 weeks)and neonate (two days) were demonstrated. Gudden's dorsal tegmental nucleus in the human might be divided into pars centralis and pars peripheralis; and the time of initial appearance for SP-, L-Enk- and 5-HT-like immunoreactivity in GDTN was different. SP-like immunoreactive fibers and terminals appeared first and were distributed mainly in the pars centralis and their density was very high. L-Enk-like imunoreactive cells, fibers and terminals were distributed in the pars peripheralis. 5-HT-like immunoreactive cells, fibers and terminals were distributed in the medial part of the GDTN; As the foetus developed further, SP-, L-Enk- and 5-HT-like immunoreactivity in the GDTN showed their own special ontogenetic changes respectively