Occurrence of axons with certain immunohistochemical markers in teleost gingiva and teeth.

The occurrence of axons with certain neurochemical markers in gingiva and teeth in the lower jaw of the cichlid Tilapia mariae was examined by immunohistochemistry. It was found that gingival and pulpal axons can be labelled with antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, tyrosine hydoxylase, neuropeptide Y, choline acetyl transferase and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. It is concluded that both gingival and dental domains in T. mariae contain axons with sensory and autonomic chemical phenotypes, the occurrence and distribution of which are generally similar to the mammalian counterpart.