Decentralization induces long-term c-fos protein-like immunoreactivity in non-neuronal cells in the rat superior cervical ganglion.

The expression of c-fos protein(s) was studied immunohistochemically in the intact and decentralized superior cervical ganglia (SCG) of adult rats. C-fos protein(s)-like immunoreactivity (c-fos-LI) was detected in 1-2% of the principal ganglion cells but not in the satellite or Schwann cells of the intact SCG. After transection of the cervical sympathetic trunk, satellite and Schwann cells in the ganglion expressed c-fos-LI from one hour through 8 days following the operation. The maximal staining was seen 1 day postransection (d.p.t.), when the c-fos-LI was intense throughout the ganglion. No change was observed in the c-fos-LI of the principal neurons. At 8 d.p.t. the number of immunoreactive cells and their staining intensity had decreased, and at 14 d.p.t. they were back to the control level. These results suggest that a long-term expression of c-fos protein(s) is induced in the SCG satellite and Schwann cells after preganglionic denervation possibly related to their activation during nerve degeneration and regeneration.