Nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the human ileocecal region.

The nitric oxide (NO) producing neurons in the human ileocecal region (pre-junctional ileum, ileocecal and cecocolonic junctions, cecum and post-junctional colon) have been evaluated by immunocytochemistry. The percentage of NO synthase-positive neurons was higher at the myenteric plexus than at the submucous plexus, independently of the levels examined. The inner portion of the circular muscle layer, except at the ileal level, was devoid of immunoreactive nerve fibers. Data obtained suggest that neuronal-released NO at the ileocecal region has a greater role in the relaxation of the muscle coat, except for the inner circular muscle layer, than in the regulation of blood flow, absorptive and secretory processes.