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Expression of nNOS in the human larynx

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Abstract

Although intrinsic laryngeal neurons and ganglia have been studied in various species, they have been overlooked in humans. We aimed to investigate the presence of intrinsic laryngeal neurons in humans and, if present, to analyze their neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression. An immunohistochemical study using anti-nNOS antibodies was performed on samples obtained from four cadavers. Intrinsic laryngeal nNOS+ neurons were assessed in the submucosal layer, but nNOS+ nerves were found in all histological layers of the larynx. nNOS expression was also found in striated muscle fibers of larynx. This might reveal the anatomical basis of an upwards extension of the nonadrenergic noncholinergic system in human airways, but further experiments are needed to assess an exact role of NO influence on neural transmission and muscular functions of human larynx.

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Acknowledgments

All authors contributed equally to this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania

    Mircea Şelaru & Adelina Maria Jianu

  2. Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroilor Sanitari Blvd., 050474, Bucharest, Romania

    Mugurel Constantin Rusu

  3. MEDCENTER, Center of Excellence in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Bucharest, Romania

    Mugurel Constantin Rusu

Authors
  1. Mircea Şelaru
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  2. Mugurel Constantin Rusu
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  3. Adelina Maria Jianu
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Correspondence to Mugurel Constantin Rusu.

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Şelaru, M., Rusu, M.C. & Jianu, A.M. Expression of nNOS in the human larynx. Anat Sci Int 90, 327–330 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-015-0272-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-015-0272-3

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