The morphology of somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons in the lateral nucleus of the rat amygdala

Three types of somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons are described in the lateral nucleus of the rat amygdala. These three types closely correspond to neurons previously reported in Golgi preparations of the lateral nucleus. Class I somatostatin neurons have triangular- or piriform-shaped somata with large primary dendrites and spiny secondary dendrites. Class II somatostatin neurons have small to medium-sized oval perikarya and are fusiform or multipolar in shape. Class III somatostatin neurons have small spheroid somata with small thinner relatively aspinous dendrites. Class I somatostatin neurons give rise to axons which project outside the lateral nucleus whereas class II and III neurons innervate other somatostatin-positive and non-somatostatin neurons within the lateral nucleus. Somatostatin neurons within the lateral nucleus are hypothesized to function as part of a network of somatostatin neurons extending from cortical regions through the amygdala to basal telencephalic and lower brain stem regions.     

The torus semicircularis in a gekkonid lizard

The cytoarchitecture and neuromorphology of the torus semicircularis in the tokay gecko, Gekko gecko, were examined in Nissl-stained, fiber-stained, and Golgi-impregnated tissues. From a superficial position, the torus semicircularis extends rostrally under the caudal half of the optic tectum. Caudally, the two tori abut upon one another; rostrally, they diverge. The torus semicircularis consists of central, laminar, and superficial nuclei. The central nucleus consists of fusiform, spherical and triangular neurons. Their dendrites are highly branched, with numerous dendritic spines, and are oriented mediolaterally, dorsoventrally, and rostrocaudally. Fusiform and spherical neurons display two dendritic patterns: “single axis,” ramifying in one axis, and “dual axis,” exhibiting higher-order branches perpendicular to the primary dendrites. Triangular neurons exhibit a “radiate” dendritic pattern. In the rostral half of the torus semicircularis, the laminar nucleus caps the central nucleus. The laminar nucleus encircles the central nucleus in the caudal torus semicircularis. The neurons of the laminar nucleus have dendritic arrays oriented parallel to the border of the central nucleus. These dendrites exhibit a paucity of dendritic spines and higher-order branches. Fusiform and spherical neurons exhibit “single axis” and “dual axis” dendritic patterns. Triangular neurons display “radiate” patterns. The caudal superficial nucleus lies dorsal and dorsolateral to the central nucleus. The superficial nucleus is sparsely populated by small fusiform and spherical neurons with moderately branched dendrites and moderate numbers of dendritic spines. These neurons display “single axis” (fusiform neurons) as well as “dual axis” and “radiate” (spherical neurons) dendritic patterns. They are oriented either parallel to or perpendicular to the boundary of the laminar nucleus.     

A Golgi study on the neuronal morphology in the hypothalamus of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Neuronal morphology and dendritic architecture of the tuberal and mammillary regions in the hypothalamus of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were investigated by means of classical neuroanatomical methods (Bodian silver impregnation, Luxol-fast blue, cresyl violet, toluidine blue, rapid Golgi method). The tuberal region is characterized by isodendritic neurons, in particular: a) pyriform and bipolar neurons, occasionally arranged diagonally to the ventricular surface; b) CSF-contacting neurons, located subependymally or more deeply in the periventricular gray, which are especially abundant in the paraventricular organ and in the proximity of the median eminence; c) numerous multipolar neurons, endowed with stout, almost unbranched dendritic processes, occupying generally the medio-lateral areas of the hypothalamus. Some multipolar neurons display somata, pyramidal or ovoidal in shape, almost imperceptibly tapering into three or more dendritic trunks. These relatively straight and long dendrites are rich in dendritic spines. In the mammillary region, Golgi impregnation shows multipolar neurons of medium size, most likely belonging to the lateral mammillary nucleus.     

The cytoarchitecture of the torus semicircularis in the teleost Barbus meridionalis

The torus semicircularis of Barbus meridionalis is composed of two nuclei, the nucleus centralis and nucleus lateralis. Its cytoarchitecture was studied in sections stained by Nissl and Golgi-Colonnier techniques. In the nucleus lateralis two portions were identified: the ‘pars lateralis’ and the ‘pars medialis.’ Cytoarchitecturally, both portions are identical. They exhibit a layered structure in which there is an alternation of cell-poor and cell-rich laminae designated as: (1) the subependymal layer; (2) the layer of small cells; (3) the fibrillar layer; and (4) the layer of disperse cells. The subependymal layer consists of fine fibers and some small rounded-ovoid cells whose dendritic prolongations course horizontally or ventrally. The second layer has small, densely-packed cells with rounded-ovoid and triangular somata and a main dendritic trunk that courses ventrally. The third layer contains dendritic fields of the cells of layer two and of cells from layer four. The fourth layer is composed of fusiform neurons with two dendritic trunks of equal thickness, rounded-ovoid neurons with one or two main dendritic trunks and multipolar triangular stellate neurons with equal dendritic trunks. The nucleus centralis comprises a fibrillar cortex with a structure identical to that of the subependymal layer. There is also a cellular region with the same cell types as those found in the nucleus lateralis. These two nuclei thus compose the torus semicircularis of the barbel. They exhibit the same cytological characteristics and both are differentiated by their cytoarchitectural and functional orders.     

The classification of neurons in the corpus geniculatum laterale pars ventralis of the albino rat: a Golgi-Kopsch study

Neurons in the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus of 120 rats of a wistar strain were investigated with the Golgi Kopsch technique. Various features, such as size of neurons, their dendritic fine structure and their localization inside the nucleus were used to find new aspects for the classification of vLGN neurons except geniculo tectal relay neurons (GTR neurons). The results of our detailed investigation are in accordance with the classification given by Brauer et al. (1984). The dendrites show different morphological surface specializations, as there are smooth and varicose dendrites besides the spiny ones. Medium-sized neurons are most variable in their dendritic structure. It can be assumed that they represent a heterogenous group. The density of spines in the neurons investigated is much lower than in GTR neurons.     

Intrinsic organization of the paramedian pontine reticular formation of the cat.

A morphoquantitative analysis was carried out to clarify the cytoarchitectural organization of the paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF) which is considered to be an important site in the control of eye movements. The study was carried out on the cat, using the Golgi staining method. The topographic position and detailed structure of the neurons were demonstrated using morphoquantitative methods. On the basis of their neuronal arborization, fusiform neurons and two types of multipolar cells were identified. Fusiform neurons show dendrites which are given off from the two poles of the small- to medium-sized cell body. The arborization generally runs caudorostrally, ending inside the PPRF. These neurons are ubiquitous. Type 1 multipolar neurons, the most frequent elements of the neuronal population (60%), have a small- to large-sized cell body from which 2 or 3 primary spiny dendrites and the axon emerge. Their dendritic field is oval and generally oriented in the vertical plane. These neurons are scattered everywhere in the PPRF. Type 2 multipolar cells are large neurons endowed with numerous primary spiny dendrites constituting a wide round dendritic field and with a thick axon. They are located almost exclusively at the boundaries of the PPRF and preferentially in the caudal region. The characteristics of the neurons suggest that the fusiform cells may play an interneuronal role, while the multipolar neurons could have both a projective function and an important receptive role for the afferent fibers to the PPRF. The lack of homogeneity found among the multipolar neurons is in agreement with the variety of projective elements shown by functional investigations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Golgi study of the anterior dorsal ventricular ridge in a lizard. I. neuronal typology in the adult

Using Golgi techniques we have studied neuronal cell types in the anterior dorsal ventricular ridge (ADVR) of the adult lizard Gallotia galloti. Multipolar, bitufted, and juxtaependymal neuronal forms were found. The multipolar and bitufted neurons are present in both the periventricular and central ADVR zones. Multipolar neurons can be subdivided into multipolar neurons with polygonal somata and four to six main dendritic trunks and multipolar neurons with pyramidal somata and three or more dendritic trunks. The former are the cells most frequently impregnated in the ADVR. In the population of bitufted neurons, we distinguish subtypes I, II, and III according to the number of dendritic trunks that emerge from the somata. Juxtaependymal neurons are restricted to a cell-poor zone, adjacent to ependymal cells. Their dendrites either are orientated parallel to the ventricular surface or extend into the periventricular zone. The dendrites of ADVR neurons have pedunculated spines with knob-like tips. However, such spines do not appear on the somata or on the primary dendritic trunks. The number of spines is scarce or moderate. The periventricular neuronal clusters contain two to five cells. The morphology of these neurons is mainly multipolar, but we also found some bitufted neurons.     

The cytoarchitecture of the torus semicircularis in the golden skink Mabuya multifasciata

The skink, Mabuya multifasciata, torus semicircularis was subdivided into the central (CN), the laminar (LN), and the superficial (SN) nuclei using Golgi and Nissl methods. The central nucleus consisted of small ovoid neurons surrounding a core of fewer large ovoid-triangular and fusiform neurons. The ovoid cells had scant cytoplasm and two to five dendritic trunks. Most of these processes were directed around the periphery of the central nucleus. The large neurons had clumped, darkly staining Nissl substance and a central nucleus. The sparse dendritic spine population on these cells increased distally on the three to five radiate dendrites. The laminar nucleus was present caudal and ventral to the central nucleus. At more rostral levels it was medial and dorsomedial to the central nucleus. The NL had three to five layers of ovoid and fusiform neurons. Scattered within these layers were a few ovoid-triangular neurons. Ovoid neurons had eccentric or central nuclei. The arborization of their dendrites was generally medial and lateral but was frequently oriented caudomedial and rostrolateral. Fusiform neurons had pale Nissl substance, central nuclei, and one to two dendritic processes. The ovoid-triangular neurons had dense, clumped Nissl substance and at least two dendritic trunks with few spines. The superficial nucleus was dorsal, lateral, and caudal to the central nucleus. Extending ventrolaterally around the central nucleus, the superficial nucleus became confluent with the laminar nucleus, ensheathing the central nucleus ventrally, laterally, and dorsally. Rostrally the central nucleus was covered by the layers of the laminar nucleus. Within the superficial nucleus were ovoid, fusiform and sparse ovoid-triangular neurons. The study indicated that the morphology of the torus semicircularis in the golden skink was similar to that in other lizards. This similarity correlates with the degree of development as it relates to the auditory function, but was independent of the type of inner ear restraint mechanism.     

Cell types within the medial forebrain bundle: a Golgi study of preoptic and hypothalamic neurons in the rat

The morphology of lateral preoptic (POL) and lateral hypothalamic (HLA) neurons was studied in 14- to 200-day-old rats with the chlorate-formaldehyde modification of the Golgi method. Drawings of 91 POL and HLA neurons revealed three distinct neuronal types within the MFB based on somatic size and shape and dendritic morphology. Class I neurons, which accounted for 75-80% of the neurons in the MFB, has fusiform or multipolar somata averaging 21 X 14 micron and 2-5 sparsely branched dendrites with a moderate number of sticklike spines. The extensive dendritic domains of Class I neurons ranged from 700 to 1,500 micron and were usually oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal fibers of the MFB. Both nonoriented and oriented Class I neurons were encountered. Nonoriented Class I neurons had expansive dendritic arbors which reached nearly all regions of the MFB in the coronal plane. Oriented Class I neurons had dendritic domains which were confined to specific regions (e.g., ventral-lateral) of the MFB. Class II neurons, which made up approximately 10% of the MFB neurons, had large multipolar somata averaging 30 X 17 micron and 2-5 stout dendrites which were densely covered with hairlike spines. Class II neurons also exhibited spines on their somata and proximal dendritic trunks and had dendritic domains of 700-1,000 micron. Class III neurons had small somata averaging 15 X 12 micron and restricted dendritic arbors of 500-700 micron in diameter. Class III neurons exhibited both spiny and spine-free dendrites and made up 10% of MFB neurons. Because of the parcellation of chemically coded fiber systems within the MFB, individual POL and HLA neurons may not be homogeneous in the type of afferents they receive from other brain areas.     

The organization of the reptilian brainstem reticular formation: A comparative study using Nissl and Golgi techniques

The brainstem reticular formation has been studied in 16 genera representing 11 families of reptiles. Measurements of Nissl-stained reticular neurons revealed that they are distributed along a continuum, ranging in length from 10 μm to 95 μm. Reticular neurons in crocodilians and snakes tend to be larger than those found in lizards and turtles. Golgi studies revealed that reticular neurons posess long, rectilinear, sparsely branching dendrites. Small reticular neurons ( > 31 μm length) possess fusiform or triangular somata which bear two or three primary dendrites. These dendrites have a somewhat simpler ramification pattern when compared with those of large reticular neurons (< 30 μm length). Large reticular neurons generally possess perikarya which are triangular or polygonal in shape. The somata of large reticular neurons bear an average of four primary dendrites. The dendrites of reptilian reticular neurons ramify predominantly in the transverse plane and are devoid of spines or excrescences. The dendritic ramification patterns observed in the various repitilian reticular nuclei were correlated with known input and output connections of these nuclei. Nissl and Golgi techniques were used to divide the reticular formation into seven nuclei. A nucleus reticularis inferior (RI) is found in the myelencephalon, a reticularis medius (RM) in the caudal two-thirds of the metencephalon, and a reticularis superior (RS) in the rostral metencephalon and caudal mesencephalon. Reticularis inferior can be subdivided into a dorsal portion (RID) and a ventral portion (RIV). All reptilian groups possess RID and RM but RIV is lacking in turtles. Reticularis superior can be subdivided into a large-celled lateral portion (RSL) and a small-celled medial portion (RSM). All reptilian groups possess RSM and RSL, but RSL is quite variable in appearance, being best developed in snakes and crocodilians. The myelencephalic raphe nucleus is also quite variable in its morphology among the different reptilian families. A seventh reticular nucleus, reticularis ventrolateralis (RVL), is found only in snakes and in teiid lizards. It was noted that the reticular formation is simpler (fewer numbers of nuclei) in the representatives of older reptilian lineages and more complex (greater numbers of nuclei) in the more modern lineages. Certain reticular nuclei are present or more extensive in those families which have prominent axial musculature.     

The dorsomedial nuclear group of cranial nerves in the frog.

The dorsomedial motor nuclei were demonstrated by the cobalt-labeling technique applied to the so-called somatic motor cranial nerves. The motoneurons constituting these nuclei are oval-shaped and smaller than the motoneurons in the ventrolateral motor nuclei. They give rise to ventral and dorsal dendrite groups which have extensive arborization areas. A dorsolateral cell group in the rostral three quarters of the oculomotorius nucleus innervates ipsilateral eye muscles (m.obl.inf., m.rect.inf., m.rect.med.) and a ventromedial cell group innervates the contralateral m. rectus superior. Ipsilateral axons originate from ventral dendrites, contralateral axons emerge from the medial aspect of cell bodies, or from dorsal dendrites, and form a "knee" as they turn around the nucleus on their way to join the ipsilateral axons. A few labeled small cells found dorsal and lateral to the main nucleus in the central gray matter are regarded as representing the nucleus of Edinger-Westphal. The trochlearis nucleus is continuous with the ventromedial cell group of the oculomotorius nucleus. The axons originate in dorsal dendrites, run dorsally along the border of the gray matter and pierce the velum medullare on the contralateral side. A compact dendritic bundle of oculomotorius neurons traverse the nucleus, and side branches appear to be in close apposition to the trochlearis neurons. A dorsomedial and a ventrolateral cell group becomes labeled via the abducens nerve. The former supplies the m. rectus lateralis, while the latter corresponds to the accessorius abducens nucleus which innervates the mm. rectractores. Neurons in this latter nucleus are large and multipolar, resembling the neurons in the ventrolateral motor nuclei. Their axons originate from dorsal dendrites and form a "knee" around the dorsomedial aspect of the abducens nucleus. Cobalt applied to the hypoglossus nerve reaches a dorsomedial cell group (the nucleus proper), spinal motoneurons and sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Of the dorsomedial motor cells, the hypoglossus neurons are the largest, and a branch of their ventral dendrites terminates on the contralateral side. Some functional and developmental biological aspects of the morphological findings, such as the crossing axons and the peculiar morphology of the accessory abducens nucleus, are discussed.     

Comparison of calbindin D 28K and cytochrome c oxidase in electrosensory nuclei of high- and low-frequency weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes)

Summary Weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes) emit quasi-sinusoidal electric organ discharges within speciesspecific frequency ranges. The electrosensory system is organized into 2 parallel pathways which convey either the amplitude or the timing of each electric organ discharge cycle. Two putative metabolic activity markers, calbindin D 28K and cytochrome c oxidase, and their relationship with the electrosensory nuclei of high- and low-frequency species were studied. Calbindin is found in the somata of the spherical neurons in the first-order electrosensory recipient nucleus, the electrosensory lateral-line lobe, and in layer VI of the midbrain's torus semicircularis, in Eigenmannia virescens, an intermediate-frequency species, and Apteronotus leptorhynchus, a high-frequency species. Calbindin immunoreactivity was completely absent in these nuclei in Sternopygus macrurus, a closely related, low-frequency species. Cytochrome c oxidase levels were inversely related to calbindin immunoreactivity since relatively high levels were observed in the electrosensory lateral-line lobe and torus semicircularis of S. macrurus but were absent in these nuclei in A. leptorhynchus. Our studies indicate that calbindin immunoreactivity is present in tonic, repetitively firing neurons with high frequencies.     

A Golgi study of the isthmic nuclei in the pigeon (Columba Iivia)

Summary The isthmic nuclei of the pigeon were studied with the use of three different Golgi techniques. The nucleus isthmo-opticus (IO) consists of a single cell type in which all dendrites of one neuron take the same direction and ramify at identical distances from the perikaryon to form dense dendritic arborizations. The cell bodies of the IO neurons form two parallel layers. The dendrites of these neurons always extend to the area between the two layers so that the dendritic arborizations of opposite neurons overlap. A model of the cellular organization of the IO was constructed based upon these morphological characteristics. The neurons of the n. isthmi/pars parvocellularis (Ipc) have oval perikarya and long, smooth, infrequently branching dendrites. All neurons except those at the borders of the nucleus show the same dorsoventral orientation in their dendritic arborizations and together with their afferents seem to have a columnar organization. The dendrites of the neurons located at the margin of the nucleus ramify within the Ipc along its border. The n. semilunaris (Slu) consists of neurons with round somata that have on an average three dendrites with small spines. The axons leave the nucleus from the medial side and join the lemniscus lateralis. The neurons of the n. isthmi/pars magnocellularis (Imc) comprise a generalized isodendritic type resembling the cells of the reticular formation. Axons from the tectum penetrate the nucleus, making numerous en-passant contacts with several neurons.     

Cerebellar afferents to paramedian lobule from the trigeminal complex in Tupaia glis: a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) study

Projections from the trigeminal complex to paramedian lobule (PML) were studied in the tree shrew (Tupaia glis) by means of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Neurons which project to both dorsal and ventral folia of PML are located primarily in those areas of the trigeminal nuclear complex interpreted as nucleus interpolaris (Vi) and caudal areas of the nucleus oralis (Vo). The majority of HRP-labeled neurons lie in ventral and ventrolateral regions of Vi/Vo. No HRP-reactive cells are present in the principal (Vp), mesencephalic, or motor nuclei nor in nucleus caudalis or rostral portions of oralis. The majority of trigeminocerebellar (TC) cells are found in ipsilateral Vi; however, sparse numbers of labeled somata are present in this subnucleus on the contralateral side. Within Vi/Vo, small fusiform and medium-and large-sized multipolar neurons contain HRP-reaction product. Large multipolar cells are found primarily in ventrolateral portions of Vi/Vo, while medium and small neurons are scattered throughout the ventral half of the nucleus. Small-sized neurons are also present dorsally within Vi/Vo. Axons of labeled TC cells course laterally through the spinal trigeminal tract, enter medial aspects of the restiform body, and arch dorsally into the cerebellum.     

Fine structure of the torus semicircularis of some teleosts

Fine structure of the torus semicircularis of the loach, carp, common eel and rainbow trout was studied by light and elecron microscopy. The torus semicircularis of each species is divided into four layers. The subependymal first layer comprises numerous unmyelinated fibers and their terminals which contain cored vesicles. The second and the third layers are composed of small cell bodies and their dendrites respectively. These layers develop equally in the four species and contain the usual axodendritic synapses. On the other hand, the fourth layer varies in different species. The mediumsized cells in this layer, which are inferred to be of the same origin as the small cells from their configuration and size, show differences in lamination in each species. Compared with the usual axodendritic synapse of the small cells, the medium-sized cells have quite different synaptic patterns, which include inhibitory and electrical as well as the usual excitatory chemical synapses. From these findings, the medium-sized cells are surmized to receive sound of different degrees of intensity from that received by the small cells, which may have an effect on feeding behaviors of the species. In the deepest portion of the torus semicircularis of all species, there are large multipolar cells on which numerous axon terminals synapse in much the same way as they do on the medium-sized cells. These findings suggest that the synaptic patterns in the torus semicircularis may depend not on the receptive cells in each layer but on the various characteristics of the afferent fibers.     

The synaptic relationships between the primary afferent terminals and the cuneo-thalamic relay neurons in the rat cuneate nucleus

In order to establish the synaptic relationship between the primary afferent terminals and the cuneothalamic relay neurons in the cuneate nucleus, the combined retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and experimental degeneration have been applied in the young adult albino rats. 10 to 30% HRP was injected contralaterally (0.5 microliter) in the ventrobasal thalamic nucleus and multiple dorsal rhizotomies (C5 to T1) in the cervicothoracic dorsal roots were performed on the side ipsilateral to the cuneate nucleus. The results showed that: The cuneo-thalamic relay (CTN) neurons were the major neuronal type of the nucleus. More than 55% of neurons have been labelled. These neurons were 18-30 micron X 15-25 micron in sizes. They distributed in the whole rostrocaudal extent of the nucleus, particularly dense in the middle portion. The cells varied from round, oval, spindle to multipolar in shapes. They were rich in cytoplasmic organelles and had well-developed roughed endoplasmic reticulum. Their nucleus was either centrally or eccentrically located and was rather regular. The HRP-positive granules were randomly distribute in the perikaryon, dendrites and initial segment of the axons; At least three types of the experimental degeneration of the primary afferent terminals (PAT) were observed in the cuneate nucleus two to three days after dorsal rhizotomy, namely, electron-dense, granular and neurofilamentous. These PAT were mostly large and contained round vesicles. They were commonly found within synaptic complex, in which they were presynaptic to dendrites of various sizes, and were themselves postsynaptic to smaller axon terminals containing flattened vesicles. Degenerating PAT forming isolated synapses were less commonly seen; The PAT in the synaptic complex were directly presynaptic to the dendrites originating from the CTN neurons. The dendrites forming PAT-CTN synases were of large and medium-sized. The PAT did not form direct axo-somatic synapses with the somata of CTN or of any other cell types in the cuneate nucleus.     

Intrinsic organization of the medial cerebral cortex of the lizard Lacerta pityusensis: A golgi study

The morphology of cells and the organization of axons were studied in Golgi-Colonnier and toluidine blue stained preparations from the medial cerebral cortex of the lizard Lacerta pityusensis. In the medial cortex, six strata were distinguished between the superficial glial membrane and the ependyma. Strata I and II formed the outer plexiform layer, stratum III formed the cellular layer, and strata IV go VI the inner plexiform layer. The outer plexiform layer contained smooth bipolar neurons; their dendrites were oriented anteroposteriorly and their axons were directed towards the posterior zone of the brain. Five neuronal types were observed in the cellular layer. The spinous pyramidal neurons had well-developed apical dendrites and poorly developed basal ones. Their axons entered the inner plexiform layer and gave off collaterals oriented anteroposteriorly. The small, sparsely spinous pyramidal neurons had poorly developed dendrites and their axons entered the inner plexiform layer. The spinous bitufted neurons had well-developed apical and basal dendritic tufts. Their axons gave off collaterals that reached the outer and inner plexiform layers of both the dorsomedial and dorsal cortices. The sparsely spinous horizontal neurons had dendrites restricted to the outer plexiform layer. Their axons entered the inner plexiform layer. The sparsely spinous, multipolar neurons had their soma close to stratum IV and their axons entered the outer plexiform layer. In stratum V of the inner plexiform layer were large, spiny polymorphic neurons; they had dendrites with long spines, and their axons reached the cellular layer. On the basis of these results, we have subdivided the medial cortex into two subregions: the superficial region, which contains the neurons of the cellular layer and their dendritic domains, and the deep region, strata V and VI, which contains the large, spiny polymorphic neurons. The neurons in the medial cortex of these lizards resembles those in the area dentata of mammals. On this basis, the superficial region may be compared to the dentate gyrus and the deep region to the hilar region of the hippocampus of mammals.     

A Golgi study of anterior dorsal ventricular ridge in the alligator,Alligator mississippiensis

The anterior dorsal ventricular ridge was examined in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, with cresyl violet and Golgi-Kopsch preparations. Four cytoarchitectonic areas (lateral dorsolateral, medial dorsolateral, intermediolateral, and lateral) can be distinguished by variations in the density of neurons and their tendency to form clusters of neurons with apposed somata. Three distinct types of neurons are distributed throughout these areas. Juxtaependymal neurons lie near the ventricular surface and have dendritic fields paralleling the ependymal layer. Their dendrites bear a moderate density of spines. Spiny neurons all have stellate shaped dendritic fields and dendrites that bear dendritic spines, but they vary greatly in the density of spines and the thickness of their dendrites. A very spiny variety has a high spine density and relatively thick dendrites. A moderately spiny variety has a moderate spine density and thin dendrites. A sparsely spiny variety has a low spine density and thick dendrites. Aspiny neurons have a relatively large number of dendrites that form a gnarled dendritic field and lack spines.