Catecholaminergic and acetylcholine esterase containing nerves of cranial and spinal dura mater in humans and rodents

The innervation of cranial and spinal dura mater in humans and rodents was studied by examining several dural zones (vascular, perivascular, intervascular) in different regions. Characterization and distribution of dural acetylcholinesterase-positive nerve fibers, catecholaminergic nerve fibers, and mast cells are analyzed and discussed. The results of chemical and surgical sympathectomy as well as the relationships between catecholaminergic nerve fibers and mast cells are studied. Our results are discussed in the light of possible implications in the physiopathology of dural algic syndromes including cephalalgia and spinal pain. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.