We investigated the involvement of carbon monoxide (CO) in the innervation of the canine cervical esophagus and trachea by means of immunohistochemistry using an antiserum against heme oxygenase–2 (HO-2). We detected HO-2–immunoreactive nerve fibers around the blood vessels and submucosal glands of the esophagus and trachea. We found HO-2–immunoreactive neurons in ganglia in the trachea and in the myenteric plexus of the esophagus. These results suggest that CO is involved as a neurotransmitter in the innervation of the canine esophagus and trachea.
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