モルモット蝸牛におけるカテコールアミン系神経の分布とその微細構造

抄録

In the present study, antibodies against the synthesizing enzyme for dopamine (anti-tyrosine hydroxylase, TH), noradrenalin (anti-dopamine β-hydroxylase, DBH), and adrenalin (anti-phenylethanolamine N-methyl transferase, PNMT) were used to indentify the presence of catecholamine containing neurons within the guinea pig cochlea. Dopaminergic (TH-positive/DBH, PNMT-negative) fibers and terminals were found in the inner spiral bundle (ISB) and tunnel spiral bundle (TSB). Ultrastructurally, synaptic contacts between dopaminergic efferent terminal and afferent dendrite were seen in the region of the ISB. Noradrenergic (TH, DBH-positive/PNMT-negative) fibers were distributed around the blood vessels.