THE INTRINSIC AND VAGAL EXTRINSIC INNERVATION OF THE RAT STOMACH CONTAINS NITRIC-OXIDE SYNTHASE

NITRIC oxide synthase (NOS) associated with the intrinsic and vagal extrinsic innervation of the rat gastric corpus was studied in both control and neonatally capsaicin-treated animals. Nerve cell bodies and fibres of both the myenteric and sub-mucosal plexi of the gastric corpus was found to contain NOS, but were distinct from those containing VIP. NOS-positive fibres were seen innervating the circular smooth muscle layer. Stain accumulated both proximal and distal to a vagal ligature. Staining of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) was associated with specific sub-nuclei. Neonatal capsaicin treatment did not alter the staining in the NTS, vagus nerve or stomach. The data presented here support the idea that NO is a non-adrenergic non-cholinergic transmitter associated with gastric function.