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Topography of the porcine epicardiac nerve plexus as revealed by histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase.

Topography of the porcine epicardiac nerve plexus as revealed by histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase.

Authors :
Batulevicius D
Skripka V
Pauziene N
Pauza DH
Source :
Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical [Auton Neurosci] 2008 Feb 29; Vol. 138 (1-2), pp. 64-75. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 Dec 11.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to map the topography of the porcine epicardiac nerve plexus (ENP) and to re-examine the total number and distribution of the porcine intracardiac ganglia and neurons. Eleven juvenile pigs (Sus scrofa domestica, 3-4 weeks of age) were examined employing histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase to reveal the ENP on total hearts. The nerves entered porcine epicardium at five sites: (1) ventro-medially to the origin of the superior vena cava, (2) dorsally to the origin of the superior vena cava, (3) among the pulmonary veins, (4) dorso-medially to the origin of the left azygos vein, and (5) ventrally to the left pulmonary vein. Within the porcine epicardium, the nerves connected to the groups of the intrinsic ganglia and proceeded into the discrete atrial and ventricular regions via five topographical pathways (subplexuses). In general, the porcine left atrium received nerves by four subplexuses, left ventricle by three subplexuses, right atrium and right ventricle each by two subplexuses. The estimated total number of the intrinsic ganglia per porcine heart was 362+/-52. About 55% of ganglia per porcine heart were accumulated on the left atrium while 36% on the right atrium. The percentage of ganglia within porcine ventricular and para-aortic regions was 7.6% and 1.6%, respectively. On average, porcine heart contained about 12,000 intrinsic neurons. In summary, the results of the present study imply that (1) the porcine epicardiac nerves are grouped into distinct topographical pathways, and (2) the porcine atria contain significantly more intrinsic ganglia and neurons compared to the ventricles.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1566-0702
Volume :
138
Issue :
1-2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
18063424
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2007.10.005