AJP - Cell Physiology, Vol 233, Issue 1 25-C34, Copyright © 1977 by American Physiological Society
Regional distribution of autonomic nerves in guinea pig uterus
G. Thorbert, P. Alm, C. Owman and N. O. Sjoberg
Uterine adrenergic and cholinergic nerves were examined histochemically and
chemically in combination with surgical denervation. There was a clear
regional variation with a greater number of axon terminals in the tubal end
of the uterine horn and in the cervix compared to the remainder (major
part) of the uterine horn. No cholinergic nerves were found in the uterus
but were abundant around the uterine artery and its primary ramifications.
Clusters of ganglion cells were located near the cervix: the majority were
acetylcholinesterase positive, whereas the remainder stored catecholamines.
Unexpectedly, the suspensory ligament (connecting the tubal end of the
uterine horn with the two lower ribs) was found to contain an extensive
number of adrenergic nerves. The major part of the uterine horns, as well
as the cervix, was innervated mainly from two sources contributing almost
equally: the paracervical ganglia (short adrenergic neurons) and
postganglionic fibers running in the hypogastric nerves. A restricted area
at the tubal end of the uterus received most of its via the suspensory
ligament.
