Abstract
The structure af the nerve plexuses in the guinea pig pancreas was investigated by both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The distribution of glial cells in the pancreatic nerve plexuses was examined immunocytochemically using an improved peroxidase-antiperoxidase method with antiserum against S-100b protein. The fine structure of the autonomic ground plexus was studied by scanning electron microscopy after removing connective tissue elements of the exocrine pancreas by maceration in caustic soda. In the pancreas, S-100b protein-immunopositive glial cells were distributed in the areas surrounding the excretary ducts and acini, and in the interlobular connective tissue and the acini and islets of Langerhans. Nerve fibers in the islets of Langerhans made connections with those in the exocrine pancreas. Nerve strands were in contact with the walls of blood vessels or with the bases of acinar cells. The autonomic graund plexus of pancreatic nerve plexuses consisted of neuronal grocesses and glial cells. Terminal varicosities of neuronal processes were frequently seen on the surface of nerve strands. The pancreatic nerve plexuses, as the enteric nerve plexuses, were composed of ganglia, nerve strands and autonomic ground plexus.
