- Biomedical Research (2003) Volume 14, Issue 1

Nitric oxide synthase and endothelin in cerebrovascular nerves of the basilar artery in pregnant rat

Nitric oxide synthase- and endothelin-containing cerebrovascular nerves/axons were investi-gated by electron-immunocytochemistry in the basilar artery of the rat in late pregnancy. In both types of nerves, similar changes were observed involving the accumulation of synaptic vesicles and the presence of dense bodies in the axon varicosities of the adventitial-medial bor-der. Results suggest either an excessive formation of nitric oxide and endothelin with possible damage to the varicosities, or the neural inhibition of the release of these agents.

Author(s): Andrzej Loesch

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