Innervation of periosteum and bone by sympathetic vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing nerve fibers.

Neural control of bone metabolism and growth has been suggested, although the identity of participating neurons and neurotransmitters effecting this control has not been established. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a system of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers that innervate periosteum and bone in several mammalian species. Thoracic sympathetic chain ganglionectomy resulted in an ipsilateral loss of VIP-immunoreactive fibers in the periosteum of ribs, whereas dorsal root ganglionectomy had no effect. Injection of fast blue into rib periosteum labeled a population of VIP-immunoreactive sympathetic postganglionic neurons. Thus, postganglionic sympathetic neurons may provide an important means by which VIP regulates bone mineralization.