Lectin and Neuropeptide Labeling in Whole-Mount Preparation of Meninges in the Rat

Abstract

The distribution of both peptidergic and non-peptidergic primary afferents in meninges was investigated in whole-mount preparations from meninges. Lectin Griffonia simplicifolia I-B4 (GSA I-B4) was used as a marker for non-peptidergic fibres. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was used as a marker for peptidergic fibers. Lectin Griffonia simplicifolia selectively labeled thin sensory axons that were distributed throughout meninges unrelated to blood vessels. CGRP immunoreactive axons, in contrast, were found to be Very close to vascular patterns. This study demonstrates that lectin-positive fibres are constituted by a fibre population separate from those containing neuropeptides.