Ganglions and ganglionic neurons in the cat's larynx.

Localization, projections and role of ganglia and ganglionic neurons in the laryngeal framework were demonstrated in cats. Six to 8 large size ganglia containing 50 to 80 ganglionic neurons per ganglion in the paraglottic space, 4 to 6 small ganglia involving 5 to 25 cells in each ganglion dorsal to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, and 1 to 3 small ganglia including 15 to 25 perikarya per ganglion around the inferior laryngeal nerve were observed. Each ganglion showed spindle shaped covering fibrous capsule. Ganglionic neurons totaling 600 to 800 were oval shaped with an average diameter of 25 microns. Projections of the ganglionic neurons to the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and nodose ganglion (NG) through the ipsilateral internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and to periphery were detected. From the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus, SCG and NG, the ganglionic cells received projections ipsilaterally. On immunocytochemistry many vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive (ir) neurons, some neuropeptide Y (NPY)- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-ir neurons and a few substance P (SP)-ir cells were recognized in ganglions. VIP-, NPY-, TH-, SP-, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-ir fibers were also observed in and around vessels and glands. Following denervation, VIP-, NPY- and TH-ir neurons and fibers did not change. These results prove that laryngeal ganglionic neurons have endogenic autonomic, especially cholinergic nature and innervate vessels and glands.