THE DISTRIBUTION OF NEUROKININ B IMMUNOREACTIVE NERVE FIBERS IN THE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT OF GUINEA PIG / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The distribution of neurokinin B (NKB) in the lower respiratory tract of 16 guinea pigs was investigated using radioimmunoassay. As a result, it is noted that the concentration of NKB is the highest in the lung (43.83?4.37), moderate in the bronchus (36.12?5.36) and lowest in the trachea (26.44?3.73 pg/g wet tissue). NKB-immunoreactive fibers were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in the following locations of the lower respiratory tract 1. within and beneath the lining epithelium, smooth muscle layer and tunica adventitia of the trachea and bronchus; 2. in the smooth muscle layer of the bronchus in the lung; 3. in the alveolar septurn; 4. within smooth muscle layer and the border between smooth muscle and tunica adventitia of the blood vessels and around the blood vessels in the lung. It is also discussed that there may be a significance about the results for exploring the function of NKB and its relationship with some respiratory diseases.