Immunocytochemical characteristics of neurons in the stellate ganglion of the sympathetic trunk in mice during postnatal ontogenesis.

The neurotransmitter composition of neurons in the stellate ganglion of mice of different ages (neonatal and aged 10, 20, 30, and 60 days) was studied using an immunocytochemical method. Most of the neurons in the mice of these age groups contained tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Most choline acetyltransferase (CAT)-positive neurons in neonatal and 10-day mice were also TH-positive. From birth and at all subsequent ages, there were increases in the proportion of cells contained TH and neuropeptide Y. The proportion of neurons containing vasoactive intestinal peptide and CAT increased to 10 days of life and then decreased. Somatostatin-and galanin-positive neurons were absent from all animals. Maturation of the set of neurotransmitters in stellate ganglia was complete by age two months.