Innervation of the bovine naso-labial glands.

An investigation was carried out on the innervation of bovine naso-labial glands. Histochemical techniques were used to establish the presence and distribution of cholinergic fibres and peptidergic fibres containing VIP and Substance P were revealed by immunohistochemical methods. Parasympathetic nerve fibres were localized around the secretory units and intralobular excretory ducts. VIPergic nerve fibres, the only peptidergic fibres encountered, were arranged in a similar pattern. Adrenergic fibres were only seen in the periglandular connective tissue around blood vessels of medium size. We are, therefore, of the opinion that the secretory activity is mainly regulated by the parasympathetic nerves and that the VIP acts as a modulator.