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Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) levels and distribution were studied in the penis of young-adult (3-month-old) and old (30-month-old) Wistar rats by radioimmunoassay and immunofluorescence. No significant changes in tissue VIP concentrations or distribution occurred in the penis of old rats compared to young-adult rats. The present data indicate that the age-related impairment of male sexual function is not dependent on modifications of the VIP-ergic innervation of penile tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) in the ovary of normal as well as of sympathectomized guinea pigs was studied. In normal animals AChE-positive nerve fibres were found organized in a perivascular plexus. Some nerve fibres reach the corpus luteum and the follicular wall. Chemical sympathectomy performed with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine caused an almost complete disappearance of AChE positive nerve fibres suggesting that most of the AChE activity of ovarian nerves is localized in adrenergic nerve fibres. Enzyme activity was also present in smooth muscle cells of the vascular tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cholinergic innervation of the dura mater in the guinea pig, mouse and rat has been investigated. The dura mater is provided with a cholinergic innervation. After short incubation times (4-6 hours) we found acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-containing nerve fibers in close relationship with the main meningeal blood vessels. After longer incubation times, AChE-containing nerve fibers appear also in the meningeal tissue proper. Chemical sympathectomy, performed with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine, does not seem to interfere with the pattern of the dural cholinergic innervation. The findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]