Sources and targets of nitric oxide in rat cerebellum

Neurosci Lett. 1992 Mar 30;137(2):241-4. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(92)90413-2.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) mediates cell-cell signalling in the brain and stimulates cyclic GMP (cGMP) production in target cells. We have used NADPH-diaphorase (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase) histochemistry to identify NO-producing neurones and cGMP immunohistochemistry to locate the targets of NO in rat cerebellum. NADPH-diaphorase staining was prominent in granule cells and in the molecular layer. cGMP immunostaining in cerebellar slices stimulated with the NO donors, nitroprusside and SIN-1, was found in granule cells, glomeruli, fibres, Bergmann glia and in other astrocytes. The results provide visible evidence that NO mediates neuron-neuron and neuron-glia communication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebellum / metabolism*
  • Cyclic GMP / metabolism
  • Histocytochemistry
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Rats

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase
  • Cyclic GMP