Substance P Immunoreactive Nerve Fibers of the Canine Laryngeal Mucosa

Abstract

Substance P (SP) immunoreactive nerve endings in the laryngeal mucosa were studied by PAP immunohistochemistry with light and electron microscopy. SP immunoreactive sensory endings were observed in the epithelium as intra-epithelial free nerve endings and taste bud-like structures. A small number of autonomic SP immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed running parallel to arterioles which were over 30 μm in diameter and terminated in glandular cells. Contrary to findings by silver impregnation, intraepithelial free nerve endings were more frequently observed on the lower surface of the vocal cord. The taste bud-like structures were classified into two different types: (1) simple terminations and (2) reticular terminations, according to the mode of the SP immunoreactive nerve fiber. Immature or degenerated taste bud-like structures in the larynx were assumed to be mechanical receptors because these receptors lacked outer taste pores and taste hairs.