Visualising vagal afferent neurons and their terminals whilst silencing TRPV1.

摘要

Vagal afferent neuronal cell bodies are located within the nodose or jugular ganglia and have central projections which terminate in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) within the brainstem. These vagal neurons also have peripheral projections which innervate diverse thoracic structures including the oesophagus and respiratory tract. These peripheral projections terminate within different layers of these structures and are composed of morphological specialisations, including intraganglionic laminar nerve endings (IGLEs) and intramuscular arrays. Functionally these vagal afferents can be distinguished based on nerve conduction velocities as distinct subtypes of C-fibres and A-fibres. Furthermore, these afferents can also be subcategorised by distinct responses to various stimuli, including low-threshold stretch and capsaicin application (Kollarik et al. 2010a).