Korean J Anat.  2000 Apr;33(2):229-239.

Localization of sympathetic and sensory nerves innervating heart in the cat using HRP and WGA-HRP as neuronal tracers

• Han EH
• Lee CH
• Kim HT
• Lee MS

Abstract

The origin of sympathetic and sensory nerves innervating heart in the cat was investigated using HRP (Horseradish peroxidase) and WGA-HRP (Wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase) as neuronal tracers. The neural tracers were injected into subepicardial layer and myocardium of the right atrium, left atrium, right ventricle and left ventricle, respectively. Labeled sympathetic neuronal cell bodies were found in superior cervical ganglia, middle cervical ganglia, stellate ganglia and 4th and 5th thoracic ganglia, mainly in middle cervical ganglia and stellate ganglia. Heavier labeled neuronal cell bodies were found in the middle cervical ganglia and stellate ganglia when the neural tracers were injected into left atrium, right ventricle and left ventricle. Labeled sensory neuronal cell bodies were found in nodose ganglia and T1-T6 spinal ganglia, mainly in T1-T5 spinal ganglia. Heavier labeled neuronal cell bodies were found in the nodose ganglia when the neural tracers were injected into left atrium and right ventricle. These results may provide a neuroanatomical data on origin of sensory nerves innervating the heart of the cat.

Keyword

heart; cat; Horseradish peroxidase; sympathetic ganglia; sensory ganglia

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cats*
Ganglia
Ganglia, Sensory
Ganglia, Spinal
Ganglia, Sympathetic
Heart Atria
Heart Ventricles
Heart*
Horseradish Peroxidase
Myocardium
Neurons*
Nodose Ganglion
Sensory Receptor Cells
Stellate Ganglion
Superior Cervical Ganglion
Wheat Germ Agglutinin-Horseradish Peroxidase Conjugate*
Horseradish Peroxidase
Wheat Germ Agglutinin-Horseradish Peroxidase Conjugate