Objective:To investigate the changes of distribution and density of sensory nerve and neuroendocrine cells in the lungs of asthmatic rats. Methods:Twenty Wistar rats were divided into asthma group and control group. Immunohistochemistry and computer image analysis were used to observe the changes of the calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) immunoreactive(IR)nerve fibers,protein gene product 9.5(PGP9.5)and Synaptophysin(SYN)positive cells in this study. Results:①There were significant changes in distribution and density of CGRP-IR and VIP-IR nerve fibers in airways of asthma group. The relative positive staining areas and grey levels of CGRP-IR nerve fibers increased significantly in asthma group compared with control group(P < 0.01). But the relative positive staining areas and grey levels of VIP-IR nerve fibers decreased significantly in asthma group compared with control group(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).②The rate of positive cells and mean optical density(MOD) of PGP9.5 and SYN increased significantly in asthma group compared with control group(P < 0.01). Concolusion:The distribution and density of sensory nerve and neuroendocrine cells were abnormal in the lungs of asthmatic rats,which might immediatly cause the changes of neuropeptides. The adjustment of neuroendocrine was unbalanced,which could promote the persistence and development of asthma.
YU Ru-yun,WANG Tong,YIN Kai-sheng,LIU Kou-ying,LI Yu-hua,CHEN Jun-di.Changes of distribution and density of sensory nerve and neuroendocrine cells in the lungs of asthmatic rats[J].,2008,28(3):316-320.