Location, immunohistochemical features, and spinal connections of autonomic neurons innervating the rat seminal vesicles

Abstract

With the use of retrograde tracing techniques, selective spinal nerve transections, and immunohistochemistry to label noradrenergic and peptidergic pathways, this study has for the first time defined in detail the autonomic innervation to the rat seminal vesicles. The majority of this innervation originates from the bilateral major pelvic ganglia, whereas very few neurons are located in the accessory, inferior mesenteric, or paravertebral chain ganglia. Neuropeptide Y was the most abundant marker, followed by tyrosine hydroxylase (an enzyme involved in noradrenaline synthesis), and then vasoactive intestinal peptide. Sympathetic axons with tyrosine hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y supplied vas..