Parvalbumin- and calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive innervation of orofacial tissues in the rat

摘要: Parvalbumin- and calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive (-ir) innervation was examined in orofacial tissues of the rat. Labial facial skins were devoid calcium-binding protein (CaBP)-ir nerve endings, while infraorbital mental nerves contained numerous parvalbumin-ir axons. gingival mucosae also CaBP-ir endings. The buccal mucosa incisive papilla both encapsulated unencapsulated hard palate excluding only Encapsulated endings found just beneath epithelium or attached to cartilaginous core papilla. Unencapsulated lamina propria subdivided into two types: simple (unramified) complex (ramified). Neurites straight, curved, coiled, those exhibited a bush-like appearance due ramification. In addition, palatal rugae intraepithelial coexpressed parvalbumin- D-28k-irs, whereas other immunoreactive for parvalbumin alone. pterygopalatine ganglion D-28k-ir pericellular fibers but not ir cell bodies. A subpopulation trigeminal neurons CaBPs. oral probably include low-threshold mechanoreceptors, may be involved nociception.