An immunohistochemical study of the catecholamine synthesizing enzymes and neuropeptides in the female guinea-pig uterus and vagina.

The uterus and vagina of the guinea pig have been examined, region by region, for acetylcholinesterase, tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase activity, as well as for the neuropeptides, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, enkephalin and somatostatin. No acetylcholinesterase activity was localized in the uterus, though it was present in associated paracervical ganglion tissues. Of the catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity was found virtually throughout the reproductive tract, whereas aromatic amino acid decarboxylase activity was restricted in its distribution. Neuropeptide distribution was quite varied. Neuropeptide Y was found throughout the endometrium/submucosa but only in the muscularis of the vagina and not in the myometrium. Substance P was localized in the vagina and uterine horn, though not the body of the uterus. Vasoactive intestinal peptide was present in all regions of the endometrium/submucosa, but not in the myometrium of the uterine horn. Enkephalin and somatostatin were not localized in any part of the reproductive tract examined, apart from paracervical ganglion tissues. The types and significance of the nerves supplying the reproductive tract are discussed.