Topographical distribution and morphology of SP-IR axons in the antrum, pylorus, and duodenum of mice v1

Abstract

This protocol describes the process of identifying the distribution and morphology of substance P (SP) immuno-reactive axons and terminals in the antrum, pylorus, and duodenum of mice. The antrum-pylorus-duodenum (APD) region was sectioned and immunohistochemically labeled for SP. To determine the distribution and morphology of SP-IR axons and calculate their density in different layers of APD, a Zeiss M2 Imager was used to scan each serial section. Each section was presented as a montage of approximately 50 all-in-focus maximum projection images. To determine the detailed structures of SP-IR axons and terminals, the confocal microscope was used to scan the regions of interest.