INNERVATION OF THE CHICKEN PARATHYROID-GLANDS - IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY WITH THE TUJ1, GALANIN, VIP, SUBSTANCE-P, CGRP AND TYROSINE-HYDROXYLASE ANTIBODIES

The innervation of the chicken parathyroid glands was studied by immun ohistochemistry using various antibodies. The parathyroid glands, as w ell as the ca rotid body and ultimobranchial gland, received branches originating from the vagus nerve. Numerous nerve fibers immunolabeled with the monoclonal antibody (TuJ1) against neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin isotype were found in the connective tissue capsule and s epta penetrating into the parathyroid parenchyma. They were also promi nent in the wall of blood vessels. Peptidergic nerve fibers immunoreac tive for galanin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were densely distributed i n the capsule, septa and blood vessel walls of the parathyroid glands. In addition, some TuJ1-, substance P- and CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were detected in close association with the parenchymal cells of parat hyroid glands. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers were concent rated around blood vessels and also in connective tissue stroma.