Modifications of the distribution of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the cerebral basal nuclei of the cat after electroacupuncture.

The distribution of Substance P in the fibrillar structures of the basal nuclei of the cat brain, and its modification with low frequency electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation, have been studied using the indirect immunocytochemistry technique. An increase in the immunoreactivity of Substance P (IR-SP) after stimulation with EA has been observed in the nucleus caudatus and nucleus putamen, in the globus pallidus, and in the amygdaloid complex. Abundant IR-SP fibres have also been seen in some areas of the internal capsule. These observations place the said IR-SP modifications in the basal nuclei of the cat brain, when subjected to low frequency EA.