[Laminar distribution of NADPH-diaphorase in the thoracic spinal cord in pheasants].

Background: The distribution of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity was investigated in the spinal cord of pheasants.

Material And Methods: Histochemical method for visualization of NADPH-d was used in this study. This method is considered to be a good marker for NO synthase.

Results: The investigation of NADPH-d activity in laminae of the thoracic spinal cord of pheasants revealed the presence of scattered intensively stained neurons in laminae VIII and IX of the ventral horn. In the location of autonomic preganglionic neurons, no presence of NADPH-d positivity was noticed. The pericentral area (lamina X) and intermediate zone (lamina VII) showed NADPH-d positive neurons located more dorsally with larger distance from the central canal. In superficial layers of the dorsal horn (lamina I and II) marked differences were seen in the distribution of NADPH-d activity through the medio-lateral direction.

Conclusion: In summary, it can be suggested that the observed presence of NADPH-d activity may reflect the utilization of NO in the thoracic part of the spinal cord in pheasants. (Fig. 5, Ref. 20.)