Article
Modifications in the distribution of met-enkephalin in the cat spinal cord after administration of clonidine. An immunocytochemical study
Author/s | Vázquez Tapioles, José
Coveñas Rodríguez, Rafael Muñoz Sáez, Miguel García, J. A. Victoria, A. |
Department | Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Medicina Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Celular |
Publication Date | 1998-11-02 |
Deposit Date | 2017-04-27 |
Published in |
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Abstract | We have studied the modifications in the distribution of methionine-enkephalin in the cat spinal cord after intravenous or intrathecal administration of clonidine by using an immunocytochemical technique. In animals not ... We have studied the modifications in the distribution of methionine-enkephalin in the cat spinal cord after intravenous or intrathecal administration of clonidine by using an immunocytochemical technique. In animals not treated with the substance, a very high density of immunoreactive fibers was found in layers I and 11; a high density in the dorso-lateral funiculus and in the reticular formation; a moderate density in layers 111, IV and V; and a low density in layer VI. However, after intravenous or intrathecal administration of clonidine a decrease in fibers containing met-enkephalin was observed in layers I and I1 (high or moderate density), the dorso-lateral funiculus, and the reticular formation (moderate or low density), and in layers IV and V (low or very low density). In all cases, the decrease in the immunoreactivity was more marked when clonidine was administered intrathecally. Our results suggest that clonidine induces the release of metenkephalin in the spinal cord. They further suggest that the opioid peptide released could be involved in the control of nociceptive transmission by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters (e.g., substance P). In summary, our study shows that clonidine could be involved in antinociceptive mechanisms in the cat spinal cord. |
Citation | Vázquez Tapioles, J., Coveñas Rodríguez, R., Muñoz Sáez, M., García, J.A. y Victoria, A. (1998). Modifications in the distribution of met-enkephalin in the cat spinal cord after administration of clonidine. An immunocytochemical study. Histology and Histopathology, 13 (4), 955-959. |
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