Distribution and possible origin of galanin-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the mammalian dental pulp.

Human, dog, cat and rat dental pulps were investigated for the presence and distribution of galanin-like immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers, and the possible origin of pulpal galanin-IR nerve fibers in the rat was examined. Galanin-IR nerve fibers were present in the dental pulps of all species examined. Two types of galanin-IR nerve fibers were distinguished with regard to morphology; thin varicose nerve fibers and thick smooth-surfaced nerve fibers.

Appearance of dynorphin in the spinal trigeminal nucleus complex following experimental tooth movement in the rat.

Changes in the expression of dynorphin were investigated immunohistochemically. Cells showing dynorphin immunoreactivity first appeared 2 days and disappeared 15 days after the unilateral insertion of separating elastics between the upper molars. These immunopositive cells were localized in the superficial layers in the medial third of the subnucleus caudalis on the ipsilateral side, except at 1 and 15 days.

Appearance of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive cells in the rat trigeminal ganglion following dental injuries.

The effects of these injuries on the presence and distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactive (-IR) neurones were examined immunohistochemically. In the normal trigeminal ganglion: some perivascular nerves displayed NPY-IR but there were no NPY-IR ganglionic cells. Fourteen days after extraction or pulp exposure of the upper first molar, NPY-IR cells appeared in the maxillary region of the trigeminal ganglion.

[Immunohistochemical studies on the peptidergic nerve distribution in hard palate mucosa and gingiva of the rat. 2. Responses of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing nerve fibers on wound healing of the mucosa].

This study investigated morphological changes of CGRP-containing nerve fibers during wound healing of the rat oral mucosa following resection of the transverse palatine ridge and gingivectomy. The tissue was immunohistochemically examined at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 70 days after surgical injury. The following results were obtained.

[Immunohistochemical studies on the peptidergic nerve distribution in hard palate mucosa and gingiva of the rat].

The present study demonstrates the distribution of nerve fibers containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the hard palate mucosa and gingiva of the rat by the use of an indirect immunofluorescence method. Nerve fibers containing CGRP, SP and NKA showed very similar distribution patterns. Numerous nerve fibers containing CGRP, SP and NKA were observed in the lamina propria of hard palate mucosa.