vasoactive-intestinal-peptide and Ureteral-Obstruction

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P were demonstrated in the pig ureter by immunohistochemical techniques. Nerves containing these materials were related mainly to the smooth muscle layer in the normal and obstructed ureter. In isolated ureteral segments, VIP caused relaxation at doses exceeding 0.18 micrograms/ml, with no significant difference seen in the effect on normal and obstructed ureter. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide may play a role in the regulation of ureteral smooth muscle tone.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Muscle, Smooth; Neurons; Substance P; Swine; Ureter; Ureteral Obstruction; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

The neuropeptidergic innervation of the normal and obstructed human pyeloureteral junction was investigated using immunohistochemical techniques. A dense innervation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the intrinsic obstruction type was demonstrated. NPY and VIP formed networks in the muscular layer. NPY was also found in perivascular plexuses and VIP adjacent to the epithelium. Calcitonin gene-related peptide, galanin and substance P nerves were also seen in the muscular layer, although sparsely. It is proposed that NPY and VIP have a role in the pathophysiology of the intrinsic obstruction type of the human pyeloureteral junction. The innervation pattern of the junction with the external type of obstruction was similar to that of the normal pyeloureteral junction.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Humans; Kidney Pelvis; Middle Aged; Neuropeptide Y; Ureter; Ureteral Obstruction; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide