[I-125]-galanin binding sites in the human nodose ganglion

The cell bodies of centrally-projecting vagal afferent neurons are containe d in the inferior vagal (nodose) ganglion. Although binding sites for a num ber of different neuropeptides/modulators have been detected in the human n odose ganglion, the presence of galanin binding sites has not been reported detected in the human nodose ganglion, the presence of galanin binding sit es has not been reported. In vitro receptor autoradiography using [I-125]-g alanin enabled visualisation of binding sites for galanin in the human nodo se ganglion. The presence of such binding sites suggests a potential role f or galanin in the neuromodulation of vagal transmission in humans. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.