The aim of the study was to examine the changes in the density of VAChT (marker of acetylcholine present)-, NPY-, VIP-, SOM-, SP- and nNOS-immunoreactive (IR) nerve terminals and co-localization of VAChT with the above-mentioned neurotransmitters after the occurrence of dexamethasone (DXM)-induced ovarian cysts in gilts. DXM administration led to an increase in the density of VAChT/SP-, VAChT/nNOS- and NPY-IR nerve terminals around the cystic walls. In DXM-treated animals an elevated number of VAChT- and SP-IR nerve endings was found close to the tertiary follicles. Moreover, in the gilts receiving DXM the density of NPY-IR nerve endings (that simultaneously co-localized VAChT) was high near the interstitial gland. An increase in the number of VAChT/SP- and VIP-IR nerve fibers around the medullar arteries (A) was observed in cystic ovaries, while the number of VAChT-IR nerve endings near the cortical A was lowered after DXM application. Furthermore, nerve fibers containing VAChT were absent around veins in the whole ovary of DXM-treated animals. After DXM injections, an increase in the number of VAChT/SP- and VAChT/nNOS-IR nerve endings in the cortical, as well as VIP- and nNOS-IR (co-existing with VAChT), nerve terminals in the medullar part of the autonomic ground plexus (GP) was present. However, the administration of DXM led to a drop in the density of SOM-positive nerve endings (also VAChT-IR) in the medullar subdivision of the GP. The present study shows that in the porcine ovaries with DXM induced cysts the pattern of cholinergic innervation, as well as the co-localization of VAChT and NPY, VIP, SOM, SP or nNOS, were changed. Data obtained also suggest that acetylcholine and the above-mentioned neurotransmitters effecting the functioning (steroidogenic activity, blood flow) of the polycystic ovaries may have a significant influence on the course of this pathological status.
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