Organisation of autonomic nervous structures in the large intestine of chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger Molina).

The organization of autonomic nerve structures in the large intestine of chinchilla was investigated using histochemical and immunocytochemical methods. The myenteric plexus formed network nodes of cholinergic neurocyte agglomerations connected with bundles of nerve fibres and localized between the circular and longitudinal layers of the smooth muscles. The highest density of myenteric plexus was observed in the rectum. The different densities of myenteric plexus in subsequent parts of the large intestine is connected with the disparate functions of this part of the gut. The submucous plexus was distributed at several levels of mucosa and was a more dispersed structure than the myenteric plexus. Characteristic varicose adrenergic fibres were observed within the myenteric and submucous plexus in different layers of the large intestine wall.