Three-dimensional distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing structures in the rat stomach and their origins using whole mount tissue

Abstract

The three-dimensional distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactive (VIPLI) structures in rat stomach and their origins were investigated using the indirect immunofluorescence method in whole mounted tissue. The present study demonstrates a very dense VIPLI fiber meshwork in the circular muscle layer, longitudinal muscle layer and myenteric plexus. In the muscle layers VIPLI immunoreactive fibers run parallel to the muscle. VIPLI fibers are distributed evenly throughout the entire stomach. We have also shown by experimental manipulations that the fibers in the stomach originate from VIPLI neurons in the myenteric plexus.

Regulation of Appetite, Body Composition, and Metabolic Hormones by Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP)

“…To further understand the physiological role of VIP on the regulation of appetite/satiety and body composition we have utilized the same C57BL/6 murine model lacking VIP gene expression. The fact that VIP is abundant in the stomach, small and large intestine, all important areas for digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as in the hypothalamic ARC area (Inoue, 1984; Lam, 1991), led us to investigate the potential role of VIP in the regulation of energy balance and body composition.…”

Transmitter Role of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

“…As in the oesophagus, VIP is present in intrinsic neurones of the stomach, innervating mainly the smooth muscle layer (Larsson et al 1976;Inoue et al 1984). Non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic neurones play an important role in the function of the stomach.…”

“…This mechanism is mediated by a vagal reflex, elicited by mechano- receptors in the pharynx and the oesophagus, and the vagal efferent synapse on intramural non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory neurones. As in the oesophagus, VIP is present in intrinsic neurones of the stomach, innervating mainly the smooth muscle layer (Larsson et al 1976;Inoue et al 1984). The ability of close intra-arterial infusion of VIP to induce a relaxation of the stomach which is comparable to a neurally induced gastric receptive relaxation, and the concomitant release of VIP from the corpus fundus part of the stomach during vagal activation, strongly favour VIP as the transmitter (Fahrenkrug et al 1978b).…”