Localization of substance P-like immunoreactivity in guinea pig vestibular endorgans and the vestibular ganglion.

The immunocytochemical distribution of substance P (SP) in guinea pig vestibular endorgans and the vestibular ganglion was investigated. Two kinds of SP-immunoreactive fibers were distinguished. Most were thick, and found around or beneath sensory hair cells. These SP-immunoreactive fibers were distributed predominantly on the slope of the crista and the peripheral region of the macula. By electron microscopy, we confirmed this type of SP-like immunoreactivity to be restricted within primary afferent neurons. Some vestibular ganglion cells also showed SP-like immunoreactivity, suggesting that SP is present in some primary afferent neurons, and is involved in afferent neurotransmission. The characteristic distribution of SP may indicate functional differences within each endorgan. The other group of immunoreactive nerve fibers, varicous thin fibers, could be found in the stroma of vestibular endorgans, nerve trunk, vestibular ganglion, and along blood vessels of the vestibular ganglion. These fibers may have a different origin, and have an influence on blood flow and certain other functions.