Immunohistochemical localization of neurotensin in the midbrain periaqueductal gray of the Korean native goat

한국재래산양 중뇌 중심회색질의 neurotensin 분포에 관한 면역조직화학적 연구

The midbrain periaqueductal gray is a midline structure that encircles the mesencephalic aqueduct of midbrain and plays an important role in anaglgesia and modulation of nociceptive input to the central nervous system. It has been demonstrated that the periaqueductal gray contains several neuropeptides including neurotensin, which has been postulated antinociceptive effect to the periaqueductal gray. The present study was performed to provide immunohistochemical localization of neurotensin of midbrain periaqueductal gray in the Korean native goat by using immunohistochemical method. Neurotensin-like immunireactive neurons were localized throughout the midbrain periaqueductal gray, although more immunoreactive neurons were present in the middle and caudal parts of periaquductal gray than the rostral part. Dense neurotensin-like immunoreactive neurons were much more numerous in the ventral lateral division of the mid- and caudal periaqueductal grays. Neurotensin-like immunoreactive neurons were much larger and more prominent near the external margin of the gray than in the juxta-aqueductal region. Neurotensin-like immunoreactive fibers were observed as short processes extending from immunoreactive cells and some small immunoreactive puncta and varicose-like fibers were also seen.