Immunofluorescent localization of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in small intensely fluorescent cells of the rat superior cervical ganglion.

Serial sections of the superior cervical ganglion of newborn and adult rats have been treated alternatively with fluorescent labelled antibodies to dopamine-beta-hydroxylase ( (DBH), or with glyoxylic acid. Two different cell types could be distinguished: (1) a small intensely fluorescent (SIF)-cell majority demonstrating a bright glyoxylic acid-induced fluorescence but no DBH-positive fluorescence; (2) a minor cell population being fluorescent following both treatments. The findings indicate the presence of norepinephrine (and/or epinephrine)-containing SIF-cells in the rat superior cervical ganglion.