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The human choroid posseses substance P and calcitonine gene‐related peptide intrinsic neurons
Author(s) -
TRIVINO A,
DE HOZ R,
ROJAS B,
SALAZAR JJ,
RAMIREZ AI,
GALLEGO B,
RAMIREZ JM
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.212.x
Subject(s) - calcitonin gene related peptide , choroid , immunostaining , neuropeptide , biology , sensory system , population , substance p , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , neuroscience , retina , immunohistochemistry , medicine , immunology , receptor , genetics , environmental health
Purpose To determine the presence of substance P (SP)‐and calcitonine gene‐related peptide (CGRP) positive intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICNs) in human Methods Nineteen choroidal whole‐mounts were processed for indirect immunofluorescence. Antibody to a component of the neuronal cytoskeleton, neurofilament 200 kDa (NF‐200), was combined with antibodies to SP and to CGRP (neuropeptides proper to the sensory nervous system). Results The human choroid possesses numerous SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs. These neurons were observed in the suprachoroid, both in isolation and forming microganglia. For both types of ICNs studied, neurons were more numerous in the temporal than in the nasal regions. In both locations, SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs were more abundant in the central choroid (the choroid underneath the macular area of the retina), with cell density diminishing outwards to the choroidal periphery. There were no appreciable differences between the two populations of ICNs studied in terms of size, morphology or immunostaining characteristics. Conclusion The human choroid contains an abundant population of SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs. Given that peripheral sensory innervation could be involved in the regulation of both choroidal blood flow and vascular architecture, the SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs described for first time in the present work may be implicated in these mechanisms of vascular regulation