NITRIC OXIDE-MEDIATED CGMP PRODUCTION IN THE ISLANDS OF CALLEJA IN THE RAT

cGMP-immunostaining in the islands of Calleja (ICj) in slices incubate d in vitro partially co-localized with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) ins ide the ICj. No cGMP-immunostaining was found outside the ICj in unsti mulated slices, whereas the NO-donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) stimul ated cGMP in cells and fibers bordering on the ICj. These findings sho w an ongoing NO synthesis in in vitro slices and suggest a relatively restricted diffusion range for endogenously synthesized NO. (C) 1998 E lsevier Science B.V.