Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPV , TRPV1 , TRPV2

Title: Distribution of TRPVs, P2X3, and parvalbumin in the human nodose ganglion.

Authors: Daisuke Sato, Tadasu Sato, Yusuke Urata, Takayuki Okajima, Shota Kawamura, Manatsu Kurita, Kenta Takahashi, Masakazu Nanno, Asami Watahiki, Souichi Kokubun, Yoshinaka Shimizu, Eriko Kasahara, Noriaki Shoji, Takashi Sasano, Hiroyuki Ichikawa

Journal, date & volume: Cell. Mol. Neurobiol., 2014 Aug , 34, 851-8

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24764033

Abstract
Immunohistochemistry for several neurochemical substances, the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2), P2X3 receptor, and parvalbumin (PV), was performed on the nodose ganglion, pharynx, and epiglottis in human cadavers. The nodose ganglion was situated beneath the jugular foramen, and had a spindle shape with the long rostrocaudal axis. The pharyngeal branch (PB) issued from a rostral quarter of the nodose ganglion, whereas the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) usually originated from a caudal half of the ganglion. In the nodose ganglion, sensory neurons were mostly immunoreactive for TRPV1 (89 %) or P2X3 (93.9 %). About 30 % of nodose neurons contained TRPV2 (35.7 %)-or PV (29.9 %)-immunoreactivity (-IR). These neurons mainly had small to medium-sized cell bodies, and were distributed throughout the ganglion. Neurodegenerative profiles such as shrinkage or pyknosis could not be detected in the examined ganglion. Occasionally, TRPV2-IR nerve fibers surrounded blood vessels in the epiglottis as well as in the nasal and oral parts of the pharynx. Isolated TRPV2-IR nerve fibers were also located beneath the epithelium. TRPV1-, P2X3-, or PV-IR nerve endings could not be detected in the pharynx or epiglottis. In the PB and SLN, however, numerous nerve fibers contained TRPV1-, TRPV2-, P2X3-, and PV-IR. The present study suggests that TRPV1-, TRPV2-, P2X3-, and PV-IR neurons in the human nodose ganglion innervate the pharynx and epiglottis through the PB and SLN. These neurons may respond to chemical, thermal, and mechanical stimuli during respiration and swallowing.