The distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and fibers throughout the chick brain (Gallus domesticus)

Summary Nerve fibers and perikarya containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-like) immunoreactivity were investigated in the brain of the three-week-old chick, Gallus domesticus using the technique of immunocytochemistry. Six major groups of perikarya were found to include the olfactory bulb, olfactory tubercle/lobus parolfactorius, nucleus accumbens, septal preoptic hypothalamic region (three sub-nuclei), lateral anterior thalamic nucleus and in and about the oculomotor complex. The immunostaining was unusual in the latter group, suggesting that the neurons may contain a GnRH-II like material. Immunoreactive fibers for GnRH were found throughout the entire brain extending from the olfactory bulbs to the caudal brainstem. Two anatomical areas, not emphasized in the past literature, which had distinct GnRH-like immunoreactivity, included the lateral anterior thalamic nucleus and the preoptic recess. The former included a group of GnRH perikarya that is also known to be a retino-recipient area while the latter contained neuronal terminals some of which appeared to be contacting the cerebrospinal fluid of the preoptic recess. An attempt was made to list all anatomical structures that contained or were juxta-positioned to sites that displayed immunoreactive perikarya and fibers including circumventricular organs.Abbreviations used in figure legends Ac Nucleus accumbens - Ap Archistriatum posterior - APH Area parahippocampalis - AVT Area ventralis (Tsai) - BO Bulbus olfactorius - CA Commissura anterior (rostralis) - CDL Area corticoidea dorsolateralis - CO Chiasma opticum - CP Commissura posterior - CPi Cortex piriformis - CPP Cortex praepiriformis - CT Commissura tectalis - CTz Corpus trapezoideum - EW Nucleus of Edinger-Westphal - FV Funiculus ventralis - GCt Substantia grisea centralis - GLv Nucleus geniculatus lateralis, pars ventralis - HD Hyperstriatum dorsale - HM Nucleus habenularis medialis - Hp Hippocampus - ICo Nucleus intercollicularis - IH Nucleus inferior hypothalami - IN Nucleus infundibuli hypothalami - IP Nucleus interpeduncularis - LA Nucleus lateralis anterior (rostralis) thalami - LHy Regio lateralis hypothalami - LPO Lobus parolfactorius - LSO Organum septi lateralis (lateral septal organ) - LT Lamina terminalis - ME Eminentia mediana - INT. Z Internal zone - EXT. Z External zone - ML Nucleus mamillaris lateralis - MM Nucleus mamillaris medialis - nBOR Nucleus opticus basalis (n. of basal optic root) - nCPa Nucleus commissurae pallii - N III Nervus oculomotorius - N V Nervus trigeminus - n V M Nucleus mesencephalicus nervi trigemini - OA Nucleus olfactorius anterior (rostralis) - OMdl Nucleus nervi oculomotorii, pars dorsomedialis - OMv Nucleus nervi oculomotorii, pars ventralis - OVLT Organum vasculosum laminae terminalis - P Glandula pinealis - PA Palaeostriatum augmentatum (caudate putamen) - PHN Nucleus periventricularis hypothalami - POM Nucleus praeopticus medialis - POMn Nucleus praeopticus medianus - POP Nucleus praeopticus periventricularis - PP Palaeostriatum primitivum - PT Nucleus praetectalis - PVN Nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis - RPaM Nucleus reticularis paramedianus - RPR Recessus praeopticus - b, RPR Basal region, RPR - F, RPR Floor, RPR - R, RPR Roof, RPR - S Nucleus tractus solitarii - SCO Organum subcommissurale - SGP Stratum griseum periventriculare - SHL Nucleus subhabenularis lateralis - SL Nucleus septalis lateralis - SM Nucleus septalis medialis - SO Stratum opticum - SSO Organum subseptale - TO Tuberculum olfactorium - TIO Tractus isthmo-opticus - TPc Nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus, pars compacta (substantia nigra) - TrO Tractus opticus - TSM Tractus septomesencephalicus - VeD Nucleus vestibularis descendens - VeM Nucleus vestibularis medialis - VL Ventriculus lateralis - VLT Nucleus ventrolateralis thalami - VO Ventriculus olfactorius - V III Ventriculus tertius (third ventricle)     

Distribution of NT-IR perikarya in the brain of the guinea pig with special reference to cardiovascular centers in the medulla oblongata

Summary The occurrence and distribution of neurotensin-immunoreactive (NT-IR) perikarya was studied in the central nervous system of the guinea pig using a newly raised antibody (KN 1). Numerous NT-IR perikarya were found in the nuclei amygdaloidei, nuclei septi interventriculare, hypothalamus, nucleus parafascicularis thalami, substantia grisea centralis mesencephali, ventral medulla oblongata, nucleus solitarius and spinal cord. The distribution of NT-IR perikarya was similar to that previously described in the rat and monkey. In the gyrus cinguli, hippocampus and nucleus olfactorius, though, no NT-IR neurons were detected in this investigation. Additional immunoreactive perikarya, however, were observed in areas of the ventral medulla oblongata, namely in the nucleus paragigantocellularis, nucleus retrofacialis and nucleus raphe obscurus.The relevance of the NT-IR perikarya within the ventral medulla oblongata is discussed with respect to other neuropeptides, which are found in this area, and to cardiovascular regulation.Abbreviations abl nucleus amygdaloideus basalis lateralis - abm nucleus amygdaloideus basalis medialis - acc nucleus amygdaloideus centralis - aco nucleus amygdaloideus corticalis - ahp area posterior hypothalami - ala nucleus amygdaloideus lateralis anterior - alp nucleus amygdaloideus lateralis posterior - ame nucleus amygdaloideus medialis - atv area tegmentalis ventralis - bst nucleus proprius striae terminalis - CA commissura anterior - CC corpus callosum - cgld corpus geniculatum laterale dorsale - cglv corpus geniculatum laterale ventrale - cgm corpus geniculatum mediale - CHO chiasma opticum - CI capsula interna - co nucleus commissuralis - cod nucleus cochlearis dorsalis - cp nucleus caudatus/Putamen - cs colliculus superior - cu nucleus cuneatus - dmh nucleus dorsomedialis hypothalami - DP decussatio pyramidum - em eminentia mediana - ent cortex entorhinalis - epi epiphysis - FLM fasciculus longitudinalis medialis - fm nucleus paraventricularis hypothalami pars filiformis - FX fornix - gd gyrus dentatus - gp globus pallidus - gr nucleus gracilis - hl nucleus habenulae lateralis - hm nucleus habenulae medialis - hpe hippocampus - ift nucleus infratrigeminalis - io oliva inferior - ip nucleus interpeduncularis - LM lemniscus medialis - MT tractus mamillo-thalamicus - na nucleus arcuatus - nls nucleus lateralis septi - nms nucleus medialis septi - npca nucleus proprius commissurae anterioris - ns nucleus solitarius - n III nucleus nervi oculomotorii - nt V nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini - ntm nucleus mesencephalicus nervi trigemini - osc organum subcommissurale - P tractus cortico-spinalis - PC pedunculus cerebri - PCI pedunculus cerebellaris inferior - pir cortex piriformis - pol area praeoptica lateralis - pom area praeoptica medialis - prt area praetectalis - pt nucleus parataenialis - pvh nucleus paraventricularis hypothalami - pvt nucleus paraventricularis thalami - r nucleus ruber - re nucleus reuniens - rgi nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis - rl nucleus reticularis lateralis - rm nucleus raphe magnus - ro nucleus raphe obscurus - rp nucleus raphe pallidus - rpc nucleus reticularis parvocellularis - rpgc nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis - sch nucleus suprachiasmaticus - SM stria medullaris thalami - snc substantia nigra compacta - snl substantia nigra lateralis - snr substantia nigra reticularis - ST stria terminalis - tad nucleus anterior dorsalis thalami - tam nucleus anterior medialis thalami - tav nucleus anterior ventralis thalami - tbl nucleus tuberolateralis - tc nucleus centralis thalami - tl nucleus lateralis thalami - tmd nucleus medialis dorsalis thalami - TO tractus opticus - TOL tractus olfactorium lateralis - tpo nucleus posterior thalami - tr nucleus reticularis thalami - trs nucleus triangularis septi - TS tractus solitarius - TS V tractus spinalis nervi trigemini - tvl nucleus ventrolateralis thalami - vmh nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami - vh ventral horn, Columna anterior - zi zona incerta Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft (DFG) SFB 90, Carvas     

Comparative immunocytochemical localization of putative opioid ligands in the central nervous system

Summary We report a detailed comparative immunocytochemical mapping of enkephalin, CCK and ACTH/gb-endorphin immunoreactive nerves in the central nervous system of rat and guinea pig. Enkephalin immunoreactivity was detected in many groups of nerve cell bodies, fibers and terminals in the limbic system, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, thalamus, brain stem and spinal cord. -endorphin and ACTH immunoreactivity was limited to a single group of nerve cell bodies in and around the arcuate nucleus and in fibers and terminals in the midline areas of the hypothalamus, thalamus and mesencephalic periaqueductal gray with lateral extensions to the amygdaloid area. Cholecystokinin immunoreactive nerve fibers and terminals displayed a distribution similar to that of enkephalin in many regions; but striking differences were also found. An immunocytochemical doublestaining technique, which allowed simultaneous detection of two different peptides in the same tissue section, showed that enkephalin-, CCK- and ACTH/-endorphin-immunoreactive nerves although closely intermingled in many brain areas, occurred separately. The distributions of nerve terminals containing these neuropeptides showed striking overlaps and also paralleled the distribution of opiate receptors. This may suggest that enkephalin, CCK, ACTH and -endorphin may interact with each other and with opiate receptors.Index of Abbreviations CA Commissura anterior - CAI Capsula interna - CO Chiasma opticum - CPF Cortex piriformis - CSDD Commissura supraoptica dorsalis, pars dorsalis (Ganser) - CSDV Commissura supraoptica dorsalis, pars ventralis (Meynert) - FMP Fasciculus medialis prosencephali - FOR Formatio reticularis - GD Gyrus dentatus - GP Glubus pallidus - H Habenula - HI Hippocampus - S Subiculum - SGCD Substantia grisea centralis, pars dorsalis - SGCL Substantia grisea centralis, pars lateralis - SGPV Substantia grisea periventricularis - SNC Substantia nigra, zona compacta - SNL Substantia nigra, pars lateralis - ST Stria terminalis - STP Stria terminalis, pars precommissuralis - TD Tractus diagonalis (Broca) - TO Tractus opticus - TSHT Tractus septohypothalamicus - TUOP Tuberculum olfactorium, pars corticalis - SUM Decussatio supramamillaris - a Nucleus accumbens - ac Nucleus amygdaloideus centralis - aco Nucleus amygdaloideus corticalis - am Nucleus amygdaloideus medialis - ar Nucleus arcuatus - cp Nucleus caudatus putamen - dcgl Nucleus dorsalis corporis geniculati lateralis - em Eminentia mediana - fm Nucleus paraventricularis, pars magnocellularis - fp Nucleus paraventricularis, pars parvocellularis - ha Nucleus anterior (hypothalami) - hd Nucleus dorsomedialis (hypothalami) - hl Nucleus lateralis (hypothalami) - hp Nucleus posterior (hypothalami) - hpv Nucleus periventricularis (hypothalami) - hv Nucleus ventromedialis (hypothalami) - ip Nucleus interpeduncularis - mcgm Nucleus marginalis corporis geniculatic medialis - mm Nucleus mammillaris medialis - ml Nucleus mammillaris lateralis - mh Nucleus medialis habenulae - p Nucleus pretectalis - pf Nucleus parafascicularis - pom Nucleus preopticus medialis - pop Nucleus preopticus periventricularis - posc Nucleus preopticus, pars suprachiasmatica - pt Nucleus paratenialis - pvs Nucleus periventricularis stellatocellularis - re Nucleus reuniens - sc Nucleus suprachiasmaticus - sl Nucleus septi lateralis - so Nucleus supraopticus - st Nucleus interstitialis striae terminalis - tad Nucleus anterior dorsalis thalami - tam Nucleus anterior medialis thalami - tav Nucleus anterior ventralis thalami - td Nucleus tractus diagonalis (Broca) - th Nuclei thalami - tl Nucleus lateralis thalami - tlp Nucleus lateralis thalami, pars posterior - tm Nucleus medialis thalami - tml Nucleus medialis thalami, pars lateralis - tmm Nucleus medialis thalami, pars medialis - tpo Nucleus posterior thalami - tr Nucleus reticularis thalami - tv Nucleus ventralis thalami - tvd Nucleus ventralis thalami, pars dorsomedialis - tvm Nucleus ventralis medialis thalami, pars magnocellularis     

Immunohistochemical Localization of C-RFamide, a FMRF-related Peptide, in the Brain of the Goldfish, Carassius auratus

Carassius RFamide (C-RFa) is a novel peptide found in the brain of the Japanese crucian carp. It has been demonstrated that mRNA of C-RFa is present in the telencephalon, optic tectum, medulla oblongata, and proximal half of the eyeball in abundance. Immunohistochemical methods were employed to elucidate the distribution of the peptide in the brain of the goldfish (Carassius auratus) in detail. C-RFaimmunoreactive perikarya were observed in the olfactory bulb, the area ventralis telencephali pars dorsalis and lateralis, nucleus preopticus, nucleus preopticus periventricularis, nucleus lateralis tuberis pars posterioris, nucleus posterioris periventricularis, nucleus ventromedialis thalami, nucleus posterioris thalami, nucleus anterior tuberis, the oculomotor nucleus, nucleus reticularis superior and inferior, facial lobe, and vagal lobe. C-RFa immunoreactive fibers and nerve endings were present in the olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, area dorsalis telencephali pars centralis and medialis, area ventralis telencephali, midbrain tegmentum, diencephalon, medulla oblongata and pituitary. However, in the optic tectum the immunopositive perikarya and fibers were less abundant. Based on these results, some possible functions of C-RFa in the nervous system were discussed.     

Immunofluorescence localization of corticoliberin neurons in the brain of pigeons

With immunofluorescence techniques using one anti-rat or two different anti-ovine CRF, the localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) producing neurons was characterized in frozen sections of pigeon brain. Colchicine was administered intraventricularly at various day hours. The CRF neurons were localized in the telencephalon: lobus parolfactorius, nucleus (n.) accumbens, anterior commissure; in the diencephalon: n. dorso-medialis and lateralis thalami and in different structures of the hypothalamus: n. praeopticus periventricularis and medialis, paraventricularis, supraopticus medialis, lateralis, ectomamillaris and in the stratum cellulare externum. Concerning the hypothalamic localizations, results are discussed in the light of physiological studies on corticotropic regulations in pigeons. Additional populations of CRF neurons were also located in various brainstem areas substantia grisea centralis, locus caeruleus, n. tegmenti dorsalis, sensorius principalis nervi trigemini, vestibularis latetalis, solitarius, nervi hypoglossi, in the dorsal area of the n. pontis lateralis and in the n. paramedianus paragiganto--cellularis, raphes, nervi facialis, subcaeruleus and the area ventralis. These particular localizations may lead to the assumption that CRF might be involved in nervous regulations other than those related to the corticotropic function.     

Immunohistochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-containing neurons in the hypothalamus of the Japanese quail,Coturnix coturnix

Immunohistochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the Japanese quail was studied by means of the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method. CRF-immunopositive perikarya of parvocellular neurons were observed mainly in the nucleus praeopticus medialis and nucleus paraventricularis. Additional perikarya were also detected in the nucleus hypothalamicus posterior medialis in the hypothalamus and in the non-hypothalamic nucleus accumbens, nucleus septalis lateralis and nucleus dorsomedialis and dorsolateralis thalami. No CRF immunoreaction was found to coexist with the vasotocin (Vt)-containing system in comparative examination of consecutive sections treated with anti-vasopressin (Vp) serum. The CRF-immunoreactive fibers were detected mainly in the external layer of the anterior median eminence but not in its posterior division. Unilateral adrenalectomy induced the marked reduction in number of the CRF immunopositive fibers in the anterior median eminence.     

Effect of glutaraldehyde fixation on the localization of various oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes in the brain of rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta

Synopsis Histochemical investigations have been made on the localization of certain oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes in the different areas of rhesus monkey brain using unfixed, freshfrozen tissue and 3% glutaraldehyde-fixed material. After glutaraldehyde fixation, the oxidative enzymes lose most of their activity normally demonstrable in the fresh-frozen section. The hydrolytic enzymes are somewhat resistant to fixation but also lose about half of the enzyme activity observed after no fixing procedure. The glycogen is better preserved in the glutaraldehyde-fixed material compared to fresh-frozen or even formaldehyde-fixed tissue. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to glutaraldehyde as a fixative of choice in electron histochemistry.List of abbreviations used in the Figures ALH area lateralis hypothalami - APH area posterior hypothalami - AS aquaeductus Sylvii - ATN anterior thalamic nuclei - BC brachium conjunctivum - CC corpus callosum - CD nucleus caudatus - CI capsula interna - CIS cortex insularis - CM centrum medianum thalami - COR corona radiata - CP commissura posterior - CSR colliculus superior - EM eminentia medialis - F fornix - GC substantia grisea centralis - GLM corpus geniculatum laterale, magnocellular part - GLP corpus geniculatum laterale, parvocellular part - GP globus pallidus - LD nucleus lateralis dorsalis thalami - LME lamina medullaris externa thalami - LMI lamina medullaris interna thalami - LP nucleus lateralis posterior thalami - MD nucleus medialis dorsalis thalami - ML nucleus lateralis corpus mammillaris - MM nucleus medialis corpus mammillaris - NC nucleus centralis thalami - NCI nucleus colliculi inferioris - NLL nucleus lemnisci lateralis - NR nucleus ruber - NSTH nucleus subthalamicus - N III nervus oculomotorius - PC nucleus paracentralis thalami - PCR pedunculus cerebri - PUT Putamen - PV nucleus paraventricularis hypothalami - R nucleus reticularis thalami - RU nucleus reuniens thalami - SM stria medullaris thalami - SMH nucleus supramammillaris hypothalami - SMT nucleus submedius thalami - SN substantia nigra - TO tractus opticus - VL nucleus ventralis lateralis thalami - VP nucleus ventralis posterior thalami - ZI zona incerta - II ventriculus lateralis - III ventriculus tertius     

The distribution of corticotropin releasing factor-like immunoreactive neurons in rat brain

Using the indirect immunofluorescent technique, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-like immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies were observed to be widely distributed in rat brain. A detailed stereotaxic atlas of CRF-like immunoreactive neurons was prepared. Large numbers of CRF-containing perikarya were observed in the nucleus paraventricularis, with scattered cells in the following nuclei: accumbens, interstitialis stria terminalis, preopticus medialis, supraopticus, periventricularis hypothalami, amygdaloideus centralis, dorsomedialis, substantia grisea centralis, parabrachialis dorsalis and ventralis, tegmenti dorsalis lateralis, vestibularis medialis, tractus solitarius and reticularis lateralis. The most intense staining of CRF-containing fibers was observed in the external lamina of the median eminence. Moderate numbers of CRF-like fibers were observed in the following nuclei: lateralis and medialis septi, tractus diagonalis, interstitialis stria terminalis, preopticus medialis, supraopticus, periventricularis thalami and hypothalami, paraventricularis, anterior ventralis and medialis thalami, rhomboideus, amygdaloideus centralis, habenulae lateralis, dorsomedialis, ventromedialis, substantia grisea centralis, cuneiformis, parabrachialis dorsalis and ventralis, tegmenti dorsalis lateralis, cerebellum, vestibularis medialis, reticularis lateralis, substantia gelatinosa trigemini and lamina I and II of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The present findings suggest that a CRF-like peptide may be involved in a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator role, as well as a hypophysiotropic role.     

Distribution of parvalbumin-immunoreactivity in the rat thalamus using a monoclonal antibody

1. The distribution of parvalbumin cell bodies and fibers in the thalamus of the rat was studied using a monoclonal antibody and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. The densest clusters of immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the nuclei ventralis posterior, reticularis, ventralis anterior and zona incerta, whereas the nuclei habenularis lateralis, lateralis posterior, lateralis, centralis lateralis and ventralis lateralis had the lowest density. In the nucleus geniculatum laterale ventralis, the density of parvalbumin cell bodies was intermediate. In all these thalamic nuclei, small, round or fusiform immunoreactive cells with short immunolabeled dendritic processes were observed. 2. The densest network of immunoreactive fibers was observed in the nuclei geniculatum laterale ventralis, reticularis and zona incerta. The nuclei geniculatum laterale dorsalis, ventralis posterior, medialis ventralis, ventralis anterior, anterior ventralis, anterior dorsalis and rhomboidens contained a moderate number of parvalbumin fibers, whereas the nuclei lateralis posterior, habenularis lateralis, parataenialis, centrum medianum, lateralis, centralis lateralis, ventralis lateralis, medialis dorsalis, anterior medialis, ventralis medialis and lateralis anterior had the lowest density of immunoreactive fibers. In addition, a large number of immunoreactive fibers was found in the lemniscus medialis and a scarce number in the stria medullaris. 3. No immunoreactive structure was observed in the nuclei habenularis medialis, paraventricularis, reuniens and geniculatum mediale. 4. Thus, perikarya and fibers containing parvalbumin are widely distributed throughout the thalamus of the rat, suggesting that parvalbumin might play a role, directly or indirectly, in limbic, visual and somatosensory mechanisms.     

Immunocytochemical demonstration of growth hormone,prolactin and somatostatin-like immunoreactivities in the brain of larval,young adult and upstream migrant adult sea lamprey,Petromyzon marinus

Summary Growth hormone, prolactin and somatostatinlike immunoreactivities were demonstrated in the brains of larval, young adult (parasitic) and upstream migrant adult sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, by means of immunoperoxidase techniques. Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) were observed within separate perikarya in the nucleus praeopticus, within fibers in the commissura praeinfundibularis, and in nerve endings within the neurohypophysis of larval and adult-stage lampreys. Cell bodies demonstrating immunoreactive growth hormone were more numerous than those reactive for prolactin. Unlike in the upstream migrant adult lamprey, no GH or PRL was demonstrated in the adenohypophysis of larval or parasitic lamprey.Somatostatin (SRIF)-like immunoreactive neurons were demonstrated in the nucleus commissurae praeinfundibularis, anterior and posterior pars ventralis hypothalami, pars dorsalis thalami, and the tegmentum motorium rhombencephali of larval, parasitic and upstream migrant adult lampreys. Many of the SRIF containing neurons within the hypothalamus were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting cells. SRIF fibers were found throughout most of the brain predominating within the nucleus praeopticus, pars ventralis hypothalami, and the nucleus interpeduncularis. No SRIF immunoreactivity was found within the neurophyophysis. The possible functions of these peptides within the brain of the lamprey are discussed.     

Pattern of afferents to the lateral septum in the guinea pig

Summary The septal region represents an important telencephalic center integrating neuronal activity of cortical areas with autonomous processes. To support the functional analysis of this brain area in the guinea pig, the afferent connections to the lateral septal nucleus were investigated by the use of iontophoretically applied horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Retrogradely labeled perikarya were located in telencephalic, diencephalic, mesencephalic and metencephalic sites. The subnuclei of the lateral septum (pars dorsalis, intermedia, ventralis, posterior) receive afferents from the (i) medial septal nucleus, diagonal band of Broca (pars horizontalis and pars ventralis), and the principal nucleus of the stria terminalis, the hippocampus, and amygdala (nucleus medialis); (ii) the medial habenular nucleus, and the para- (peri-) ventricular, parataenial and reuniens nuclei of the thalamus; the anterior, lateral and posterior hypothalamic areas in particular, the medial and lateral preoptic, suprachiasmatic, periventricular, paraventricular, arcuate, premammillary, and supramammillary nuclei; (iii) the periaquaeductal grey, ventral tegmental area, nucleus interfascicularis, nucleus reticularis linearis, central linear nucleus, interpeduncular nucleus; (iv) dorsal and medial raphe complex, and locus coeruleus. Each subnucleus of the lateral septum displays an individual, differing pattern of afferents from the above-described regions. Based on a double-labeling method, the vasopressinergic and serotonergic afferents to the lateral septum were found to originate in the nucleus paraventricularis hypothalami and the raphe nuclei, respectively.Abbreviations ARC arcuate nucleus - BNST bed nucleus of the stria terminalis - CL central linear nucleus - DBBh diagonal band of Broca (pars horizontalis) - DBBv diagonal band of Broca (pars ventralis) - DR dorsal raphe nucleus - HC hippocampus - IF interfascicular nucleus - IP interpeduncular nucleus - LC locus coeruleus - LDT laterodorsal tegmental nucleus - LHA lateral hypothalamic area - LPO lateral preoptic area - LSN lateral septal nucleus - MA medial amygdaloid nucleus - MH medial habenular nucleus - MPO medial preoptic region - MR medial raphe nucleus - MSN medial septal nucleus - PAG periaquaeductal grey - PEN periventricular nucleus - PHA posterior hypothalamic area - PMd premammillary region (pars dorsalis) - PMv premammillary region (pars ventralis) - PT parataenial nucleus - PVN paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus - PVT paraventricular thalamic nucleus - RE nucl. reuniens - RL nucl. reticularis linearis - SCN suprachiasmatic nucleus - SMl supramammillary region (pars lateralis) - SMm supramammillary region (pars medialis) - SUB subiculum - TS triangular septal nucleus - VTA ventral tegmental area - ac anterior commissure - bc brachium conjunctivum - bp brachium pontis - cc corpus callosum - fr fasciculus retroflexus - fx fornix - ml medial lemniscus - mlf fasciculus longitudinalis medialis - mp mammillary peduncle - mt mammillary tract - oc optic chiasm - on optic nerve - pc posterior commissure - pt pyramidal tract - sm stria medullaris - st stria terminalis - vhc ventral hippocampal commissure Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Nu 36/2-1)     

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the forebrain of the catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.).

The anatomical distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the forebrain and pituitary of the catfish, Clarias batrachus, was investigated. Immunoreactive cells were observed in the ganglion cells of the nervus terminalis (NT) and in the medial olfactory tracts. In the preoptic area, FMRFamide-containing perikarya were restricted to the lateral preoptic area, paraventricular subdivision of the nucleus preopticus, nucleus suprachiasmaticus and nucleus preopticus periventricularis posterior. In the postoptic area, some cells of the nucleus postopticus lateralis and nucleus of the horizontal commissure showed moderate immunoreactivity. In the tuberal area, immunoreactivity was observed in few cells of the nucleus hypothalamicus ventralis and nucleus arcuatus hypothalamicus (NAH). Nucleus ventromedialis thalami was the only thalamic nucleus with FMRFamide immunoreactivity. Immunoreactive processes were traceable from the NT through the medial as well as lateral olfactory tracts into the telencephalon and the area ventralis telencephali pars supracommissuralis (Vs). Further caudally, the immunoreactive fibers could be traced into discrete areas, including habenular and posterior commissures, neurohypophysis and pituitary; isolated fibers were also observed in the pineal stalk. A loose network of immunoreactive processes was observed in the olfactory bulbs and the entire telencephalon, with higher densities in some areas, including Vs. A dense plexus of immunoreactive fibers was seen in the pre- and postoptic areas and around the paraventricular organ, while relatively few were observed in the thalamus. A high concentration of fiber terminals was found in the caudal tuberal area.     

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity in the spinal cord of the guinea pig

Summary The distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive (VIP-IR) neurons in the lower medulla oblongata and the spinal cord has been analyzed in guinea pigs. This study includes results obtained by colchicine treatment and transection experiments. In the spinal cord, numerous VIP-IR varicosities were observed in the substantia gelatinosa of the columna dorsalis; some were also found in the substantia intermedia and the columna anterior. The spinal VIP-IR nerve fibers were mainly of intraspinal origin and oriented segmentally. VIP-IR nuclei in the spinal cord extended dorsally into corresponding regions of the caudal medulla oblongata, namely from the substantia intermedia medialis and lateralis into the vagus-solitarius complex and from the nucleus spinalis lateralis into the area of the nucleus reticularis lateralis. Additional VIP-IR perikarya were observed in the pars caudalis of the nucleus spinalis nervi trigemini. The VIP-IR nuclei within the caudal medulla oblongata probably form a continuous system with those localized within the spinal cord. They may be involved functionally in the modulation of cardiovascular and respiratory regulation in the guinea pig.Supported by the DFG, Carvas SFB 90     

Distribution of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive fibers in the cat thalamus

Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity was studied in the thalamus of the cat using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. The densest network of immunoreactive fibers was observed in the nucleus (n.) paraventricularis anterior. In the anterior, intralaminar and midline thalamic nuclei, as well as in the n. geniculatum medialis, n. geniculatum lateralis, n. habenularis lateralis, n. medialis dorsalis, n. lateralis posterior and n. pulvinar a low density of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive fibers was observed. Neuropeptide Y-like fibers were totally absent in the n. ventralis lateralis, n. ventralis medialis, n. ventralis postero-medialis and n. ventralis postero-lateralis. In addition, neuropeptide Y-like perikarya were found in the n. parafascicularis, n. suprageniculatus, n. geniculatum lateralis ventralis, n. medialis dorsalis and n. lateralis posterior.     

Distribution of catecholaminergic and serotoninergic systems in forebrain and midbrain of the newt,Triturus alpestris (Urodela)

Summary Mapping of monoaminergic systems in the brain of the newt Triturus alpestris was achieved with antisera against (1) thyrosine hydroxylase (TH), (2) formaldehyde-conjugated dopamine (DA), and (3) formaldehyde-conjugated serotonin (5-HT). In the telencephalon, the striatum was densely innervated by a large number of 5-HT-, DA-and TH-immunoreactive (IR) fibers; IR fibers were more scattered in the amygdala, the medial and lateral forebrain bundles, and the anterior commissure. In the anterior and medial diencephalon, TH-IR perikarya contacting the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-C perikarya) were located in the preoptic recess organ (PRO), the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis and the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Numerous TH-IR perikarya, not contacting the CSF, were present in the posterior preoptic nucleus and the ventral thalamus. At this level, DA-IR CSF-C neurons were only located in the PRO. In the posterior diencephalon, large populations of 5-HT-IR and DA-IR CSF-C perikarya were found in the paraventricular organ (PVO) and the nucleus infundibularis dorsalis (NID); the dorsal part of the NID additionally presented TH-IR CSF-C perikarya. Most regions of the diencephalon showed an intense monoaminergic innervation. In addition, numerous TH-IR, DA-IR and 5-HT-IR fibers, orginating from the anterior and posterior hypothalamic nuclei, extended ventrally and reached the median eminence and the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland. In the midbrain, TH-IR perikarya were located dorsally in the pretectal area. Ventrally, a large group of TH-IR cell bodies and some weakly stained DA-IR and 5-HT-IR neurons were observed in the posterior tuberculum. No dopaminergic system equivalent to the substantia nigra was revealed. The possible significance of the differences in the distribution of TH-IR and DA-IR neurons is discussed, with special reference to the CSF-C neurons.Abbreviations AM amygdala - CAnt commissura anterior - CH commissura hippocampi - CP commissura posterior - Ctm commissura tecti mesencephali - DH dorsal hypothalamus - DTh dorsal thalamus - FLM fasciculus longitudinalis medialis - Fsol fasciculus solitarius - H habenula - LFB lateral forebrain bundle - ME median eminence - MFB medial forebrain bundle - NID nucleus infundibularis dorsalis - nIP neuropil of nucleus interpeduncularis - NPOP nucleus preopticus posterior - NS nucleus septi - OVLT organum vasculosum laminae terminalis - PD pars distalis - Pdo dorsal pallium - PHi primordium hippocampi - PI pars intermedia - Pl lateral pallium - PN pars nervosa - PRO preoptic recess organ - Ptec pretectal area - PVO paraventricular organ - Ra nucleus raphe - Rm nucleus reticularis medius - SCO subcommisural organ - ST striatum; strm stria medullaris thalami - strt stria terminalis thalami - TM tegmentum mesencephali - TO tectum opticum - TP tuberculum posterius - trch tractus cortico-habenularis - trmp tractus mamillopeduncularis - VH ventral hypothalamus - Vm nucleus motorius nervi trigemini - VTh ventral thalamus - II optic nerve     

Pheromone detection and olfactory pathways in the brain of the female African catfish,Clarias gariepinus

Summary The olfactory tract of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, consists of two tracts, the medial and lateral olfactory tract. Ovulated female catfish are attracted by male steroidal pheromones. Attraction tests with catfish in which the medial and lateral olfactory tract have been selectively lesioned show that the effects of these pheromones are mediated by the medial olfactory tract. The central connections of the medial and lateral olfactory tract have been studied by retro- and anterograde transport techniques using horseradish peroxidase as a tracer. Upon entering the forebrain, the medial olfactory tract innervates the posterior pars ventralis and pars supracommissuralis of the area ventralis telencephali and the nucleus preopticus periventricularis, the nucleus preopticus and the nucleus recessus posterioris. Application of horseradish peroxidase to the olfactory epithelium shows that part of the innervation of the area ventralis telencephali and the nucleus preopticus periventricularis can be attributed to the nervus terminalis, which appears to be embedded in the medial olfactory tract. The lateral olfactory tract sends projections to the same brain areas but also innervates the nucleus habenularis and a large terminal field in the area dorsalis telencephali pars lateralis ventralis. Furthermore, the medial olfactory tract carries numerous axons from groups of perikarya localized in the area dorsalis telencephali. Contralateral connections have been observed in the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, diencephalon and mesencephalon. It is suggested that processes of the medial olfactory tract innervating the preoptic region may influence the gonadotropin-releasing hormone system and in doing so may lead to behavioral and physiological changes related to spawning.     

Noradrenergic and adrenergic systems in the brain of the urodele amphibian,Pleurodeles waltlii,as revealed by immunohistochemical methods

The distribution of noradrenaline and adrenaline in the brain of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltlii has been studied with antibodies raised against noradrenaline and the enzymes dopamine--hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase. Noradrenaline-containing cell bodies were found in the anterior preoptic area, the hypothalamic nucleus of the periventricular organ, the locus coeruleus and in the solitary tract/area postrema complex at the level of the obex. Noradrenergic fibers are widely distributed throughout the brain innervating particularly the ventrolateral forebrain, the medial amygdala, the lateral part of the posterior tubercle, the parabrachial region and the ventrolateral rhombencephalic tegmentum. Putative adrenergic cell bodies were found immediately rostral to the obex, ventral to the solitary tract. Whereas the cell bodies and their dendrites were Golgi-like stained, axons were more difficult to trace. Nevertheless, some weakly immunoreactive fibers could be traced to the basal forebrain. A comparison of these results with data previously obtained in anurans reveals not only several general features, but also some remarkable species differences.Abbreviations Acc Nucleus accumbens - AP area postrema - Apl amygdala, pars lateralis - Apm amygdala, pars medialis - ca commissura anterior - Cb cerebellum - cc central canal - Dp dorsal pallium - epl external plexiform layer - gl glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb - H ganglion habenulae - igl internal granular layer - Ip nucleus interpeduncularis - Lc locus coeruleus - Ll lateral line lobe - Lp lateral pallium - Ls lateral septum - ml mitral cell layer - Mp medial pallium - Ms medial septum - nPT nucleus pretectalis - NPv nucleus of the periventricular organ - nV nervus trigeminus - oc optic chiasm - Poa preoptic area - Ri nucleus reticularis inferior - SC nucleus suprachiasmaticus - sol solitary tract - Str striatum - thd thalamus dorsalis - thv thalamus ventralis - To tectum opticum - TP tuberculum posterius - V ventricle - VH ventral hypothalamic nucleus - III nucleus nervi oculomotorii - IXm nucleus motorius nervi glossopharyngei - Xm nucleus motorius nervi vagi     

Immunohistochemical demonstration of serotonin-containing nerve fibers in the hypothalamus of the monkey,Macaca fuscata

Summary The distributional pattern of serotonin-containing nerve fibers in the hypothalamus of the monkey (Macaca fuscata) was analyzed with the use of the peroxidaseantiperoxidase method in conjunction with a highly sensitive and specific anti-serotonin serum. The highest concentrations of serotonin-immunoreactive varicose fibers were found in the nucleus praeopticus medialis, nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami, and the complex of mammillary nuclei (nucleus praemamillaris, supramamillaris, mamillaris medialis et lateralis). However, the nucleus suprachiasmaticus, where numerous serotoninergic fibers have been reported to occur in the rat, appeared to be almost devoid of these fibers. The infundibular stalk, and the intermediate and posterior lobes of the pituitary contained considerable numbers of immunoreactive fibers. The present study provides a morphological basis for possible clarification of the influence of serotoninergic projections on various neuroendocrine mechanisms in primates. Furthermore, an attempt was made to clarify the differences and similarities concerning the distributional patterns of serotoninergic nerve fibers within the monkey hypothalamus in contrast to the rat hypothalamus.Supported by grants (No. 56440022, 57214028) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan     

Neuropeptide Y mRNA and peptide in the night-migratory redheaded bunting brain

This study investigated the distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the brain of the night-migratory redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps). We first cloned the 275-bp NPY gene in buntings, with ≥95 % homology with known sequences from other birds. The deduced peptide sequence contained all conserved 36 amino acids chain of the mature NPY peptide, but lacked 6 amino acids that form the NPY signal peptide. Using digosigenin-labeled riboprobe prepared from the cloned sequence, the brain cells that synthesize NPY were identified by in-situ hybridization. The NPY peptide containing cell bodies and terminals (fibers) were localized by immunocytochemistry. NPY mRNA and peptide were widespread throughout the bunting brain. This included predominant pallial and sub-pallial areas (cortex piriformis, cortex prepiriformis, hyperpallium apicale, hippocampus, globus pallidus) and thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei (organum vasculosum laminae terminalis, nucleus (n.) dorsolateralis anterior thalami, n. rotundus, n. infundibularis) including the median eminence and hind brain (n. pretectalis, n. opticus basalis, n. reticularis pontis caudalis pars gigantocellularis). The important structures with only NPY-immunoreactive fibers included the olfactory bulb, medial and lateral septal areas, medial preoptic nucleus, medial suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, optic tectum, and ventro-lateral geniculate nucleus. These results demonstrate that NPY is possibly involved in the regulation of several physiological functions (e.g. daily timing feeding, and reproduction) in the migratory bunting.     

Subcortical projections of the visual cortex in the adult albino rat and during postnatal development

We have investigated the subcortical projections of the rat striate cortex by using the silver-degeneration method and the HRP-technique too. Cortical lesions were made in 60 young animals (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 14 days old) and in 6 adult rats. The terminal regions of projection occurred only ipsilateral to the lesions. After passing the internal capsule the degenerating pathway divides into 2 bundles. In the dorsal thalamus one of them runs in caudal direction. The other bundle turns ventrally, reaches the cerebral peduncle and terminates in the pons. The first fibre bundle terminates in the following structures: Nc. reticularis thalami, Nc. lateralis thalami, Nc. lateralis posterior thalami, Corpus geniculatum laterale, pars dorsalis (Cgld), Corpus geniculatum laterale, pars ventralis (Cglv), Nc. praetectalis anterior et posterior and Colliculus superior. The fibers of the second bundle innervate the Nc. lateralis pontis. Fibers from this bundle terminate probably in the Cglv and in the Zona incerta too. By using the HRP-technique it could be demonstrated that the axons terminating in the Cgld originate in layer VI of the area 17. In contrast, the projection to Cglv, Nc. lateralis posterior, Colliculus superior and Nc. lateralis pontis originates from pyramidal cells in layer V. The development of the projection in young animals indicates: Like in adults rats, terminal degeneration is present in all subcortical projection regions at postnatal day (PD) 10. At PD 4-7 we can observe heavily degenerating axons but the terminal degeneration is different. It is remarkable in the "visual" part of the reticular nucleus and iln the Cgld (decreasing from inside to outside). Only a weak terminal degeneration is visible in the pretectal region and in the superior colliculus. At PD 1 the trajectory of degenerating fibres is clearly visible. Signs of terminal degeneration can only be found in the reticular nucleus. It is discussed whether the date of generation of the cortical neurons and the time of the differentiation of the cortical layers is of importance for the time of innervation of the subcortical projection fields. The question when the axons arrive at their terminal region and form there synaptic contacts has not yet been exactly answered. To solve this problem electronmicroscopic investigations are necessary.