Immunohistochemical characterization of superior cervical ganglion neurons supplying porcine parotid salivary gland

► Chemical coding of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons projecting to the porcine parotid gland. ► Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an adrenergic marker, present in 99% of parotid gland SCG neurons. ► Calbindin, a calcium binding protein present in 91% of TH positive neurons. ► SCG fibers immunoreactive to a number of neuropeptides. ► Complex neurochemical nature of parotid gland sympathetic innervations as a key in proper function and maintenance of the gland.