Trigeminal substance P-like immunoreactive fibres in the frog olfactory mucosa

Abstract

The location and distribution of nerve fibres displaying substance P (SP) immunoreactivity were studied in the frog olfactory mucosa. Many immunoreactive nerve fibres were noted in close association with Bowman's glands and blood vessels in the lamina propria. In addition, such fibres were also found beneath and within the olfactory epithelium proper. These fibres are clearly of trigeminal origin since SP immunoreactivity was abolished after section of the trigeminal nerve. Functionally, they might influence local blood flow, secretion of Bowman's glands and/or activity of olfactory receptor cells.