The extrinsic innervation of the abdominal organs in the female rat

Abstract

The extrinsic innervation of the abdominal organs in neonatal and adult female rats is described. Mainly an in toto acetylcholinesterase method was used; moreover, formaldehyde-induced fluorescence and acetylcholinesterase were demonstrated in sections. The major splanchnic nerve has its origin in the ninth and tenth thoracic sympathetic trunc ganglia. In the major splanchnic nerve a suprarenal ganglion is present. Sometimes the minor splanchnic nerve, arising from the tenth thoracic ganglion, joins the distal part of the suprarenal ganglion. The left and right major splanchnic nerves join the left and right celiac ganglia in the plexus. The left celiac ganglion is always bigger than the right one. The celiac plexus and the celiac inferior mesenteric plexus are joined by the intermesenteric plexus. Para-aortic nerves, originating in the caudal part of the thoracic sympathetic truncs, also join the abdominal prevertebral plexuses. The lumbar splanchnic nerves, not symmetrical in their origin, join the prevertebral plexuses and give off branches to the abdominal organs. The suprarenal glands receive bundles of nerve fibers, sometimes ganglionated, from the suprarenal ganglion. The kidneys are innervated from the celiac plexus, the upper lumbar splanchnic nerves and the intermesenteric plexus. The ovarian nerves are derived from the celiac plexus, the intermesenteric plexus and the upper lumbar splanchnic nerves. Bundles of nerve fibers run from the suprarenal ganglion in the celiac plexus in the direction of the suspensory ligament of the ovary. In many respects this description is at variance with existing literature on the autonomic innervation in the rat. These differences with the standard literature are relevant to those workers engaged in experiments on the sympathetic innervation of abdominal viscera.

The cholinergic influence on the mesenteric ganglion affects the liberation of ovarian steroids and nitric oxide in oestrus day rats: characterization of an ex vivo system

“…The ovarian nervous plexus (ONP), whose fibres originate mostly in the neurons of the mesenteric ganglia, reaches the ovary and accompanies the ovarian artery in its entrance through the hilium (Baljet & Drukker 1979, Klein & Burden 1988a. The plexus innervates the blood vessels musculature, serving an important function in the regulation of the blood flow (Walles et al 1978), and its veins form a net around the ovary cortex and do not have direct relationship with the corpora lutea and the granulosa cells (Stefenson et al 1981, Burden et al 1985.…”

Involvement of the coeliac ganglion in the luteotrophic effect of androstenedione in late pregnant rats

“…The superior ovarian nerve is mostly constituted by adrenergic fibres whose origin neurons are mainly located in the coeliac ganglion (Baljet & Drukker 1979) and whose terminals act directly upon the secretory part of the ovary, including the theca externa and interna of the follicle, the corpus luteum capsule and the interstitial gland. However, direct contact of nerves with luteal and granulosa cells has not been shown (Lawrence & Burden 1980, Erickson et al 1985, Klein & Burden 1988.…”

Pregnancy in rats is modulated by ganglionic cholinergic action

“…Most of the fibers that constitute the SON derive from main neurons of the celiac ganglion which is a component of the prevertebral ganglion chain and it is a modulation center in the pathway of the afferent and efferent fibers between the central nervous system and the ovary (Baljet & Drukker 1979, Lawrence & Burden 1980, Klein & Burden 1988.…”