Light and electron microscopical immunolocalization of neuropeptide Y-containing nerves in the hamster gallbladder.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY)-containing nerve structures were detected in the Syrian hamster gallbladder by using peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical staining and immunoelectron microscopic techniques. In addition, Alcian blue-P.A.S. was used to differentiate two types of surface cells in the epithelium of the gallbladder: the columnar cells and the tuft cells. NPY-immunoreactive varicose nerve fibers were detected in the adventitial layer of the arterioles, precapillary arterioles and around axial venules of mucosal folds; they were not observed in the capillary beds. Since NPY is associated with norepinephrine (NE) in the sympathetic nerves, it could prolong the adrenergic vasoconstrictive effects. We propose that NPY and NE are simultaneously released to restrict the blood flow in the subepithelial capillary beds by increasing vascular resistance thereby perturbing the absorption of water and electrolytes.