Synaptic contact of neuropeptide-and amine-containing axons on parasympathetic preganglionic neurons in the superior salivatory nucleus of the rat.

Parasympathetic preganglionic neurons in the superior salivatory nucleus (SSNNs) projecting to the pterygopalatine ganglion were labeled by retrograde transport of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in the rat. Morphological interactions between SSNNs and afferent fibers immunoreactive (IR) for neuropeptide and amine were examined with light and electron microscopes by double-immunostaining techniques. SSNNs were found in the ipsilateral ventrolateral part of the rostral medulla oblongata. Around SSNNs, substance P-, enkephalin-, neuropeptide Y-and somatostatin-IR nerve fibers were very rich and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-, serotonin (5-HT)-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-IR axons showed moderate density. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-containing axons were scarce in this region. The electron microscopic examinations revealed that CTB-IR structures directly received synaptic input from axon varicosities IR for TH, 5-HT and all neuropeptides except for CGRP. These findings suggest that catecholamine, 5-HT and the neuropeptides directly influence the activity of SSNNs and are concerned with the autonomic regulation of nasal and palatal mucosa, lacrimal glands and cerebral blood vessels of the rat.