Abstract
We have examined the effects of hibernation on the neurochemical composition of myenteric neurones in the small and large intestine of the golden hamster using immunohistochemical and histochemical techniques. Hibernation was induced in golden hamsters by altering the photoperiod and external ambient temperature. Age-matched hamsters kept at room temperature and those kept at 5°C but which failed to hibernate were used as controls. Cell counts were carried out to examine possible changes in the numbers of cell bodies immunoreactive to all of the markers examined. The results demonstrated a significant increase during hibernation in the number of neurones immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide; cell bodies positive for tyrosine hydroxylase, which were largely absent in the control animals, were prominent in the hibernating animals. There was a significant decrease in the number of neurones immunoreactive to 5-hydroxytryptamine, and no significant changes in the numbers of neurones immunoreactive to protein gene-product and nitric oxide synthase. It is suggested that selective upregulation and downregulation of myenteric neurones containing certain neurotransmitters may occur as a protective mechanism during hibernation to maintain the integrity of the muscular and mucosal layers of the intestine in the absence of luminal contents.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 22 October 1998 / Accepted: 21 December 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Toole, L., Belai, A., Shochina, M. et al. The effects of hibernation on the myenteric plexus of the golden hamster small and large intestine. Cell Tissue Res 296, 479–487 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410051308
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410051308