NITRERGIC INNERVATION OF THE CAT LIVER

The aim of this work was to study the nitrergic innervation in the liv er of the cat using immunocytochemical procedures. At the hepatic hilu s, a rich plexus of neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactive (nNO S-IR) nerve fibers and ganglia was detected around the interlobular br anch of the bile duct, nNOS-IR nerve fibers were observed running with the components of the intralobular portal triads located close to the hepatic hilus, as well as with a few vessels and ducts of the deeper parenchyma. These latter fibers, beside others located in Glisson's ca psule, occasionally showed short ramifications entering the parenchyma itself. The present results suggest that, in the cat liver, nNOS is i nvolved in the autonomic control of hepatic blood flow, with a limited role in the regulation of hepatobiliary excretory activity and hepato cellular metabolic function. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.