Catecholaminergic cells and fibers in the brain of the lizard Anolis carolinensis identified by traditional as well as whole-mount immunohistochemistry

Summary Using traditional as well as whole-mount immunohistochemistry, we described the location of tyrosine hydroxylase-and dopamine beta hydroxylase-positive cells and fibers in the brain of the lizard Anolis carolinensis. Major catecholaminergic cell groups were in the ependyma in certain ventricular regions, alous coeruleus, anterior hypothalamic and lateral hypothalamic areas, and in the mesencephalic tegmental region, locus coeruleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, vagal motor nucleus, and rhombencephalic reticular formation. Major catecholaminergic fibers, tracts and varicosities included tuberohypophysial, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, isthmocortical, medullohypothalamic, and coeruleospinal systems. Although the catecholaminergic systems in A. carolinensis are similar to those in the brains of other lizards studied, there are a few species differences. Our information about A. carolinensis will be used to help localize the hypothalamic asymmetry in catecholamine metabolism previously described in this lizard.     

Morphology of neurons and axon terminals associated with descending and ascending pathways of the lateral forebrain bundle in Rana esculenta

Summary The cells of origin of afferent and efferent pathways of the lateral forebrain bundle were studied with the aid of the cobalt-filling technique. Ascending afferents originated from the lateral thalamic nucleus, central thalamic nucleus, posterior tuberculum and the cerebellar nucleus. They terminated in the anterior entopeduncular nucleus, amygdala and the striatum. Telencephalic projection neurons, which are related to the lateral forebrain bundle, were located mainly in the ventral striatum and the anterior entopeduncular nucleus, but were not so numerous in the dorsal striatum. Irrespective of their location, most of the neurons projecting axons into the lateral forebrain bundle had piriform or pyramidal perikarya. Long apical dendrites usually arborized in a narrow space, whereas widely arborizing secondary dendrites originated from short dendritic trunks. The other neurons that contributed to the lateral forebrain bundle were fusiform or multipolar cells. Striatal efferents terminated in the pretectal area and in the anterodorsal, anteroventral and posteroventral tegmental nuclei.     

The distribution of aminergic neurones and their projections in the brain of the teleost,Myoxocephalus scorpius

Summary Fluorescent histochemistry was carried out on the brain of the teleost Myoxocephalus scorpius to show the distribution of monoaminergic neurones and their projections.Posterior to the obex of the fourth ventricle, at the junction of the spinal chord and medulla, there is an unpaired dorsal nucleus of catecholaminergic cells. A second group of catecholaminergic perikarya are scattered lateral to the vagal and glossopharyngeal motor nuclei. Both groups of aminergic cells contribute to a tract which crosses the fourth ventricle at the obex and runs along the lateral wall of the medulla towards the diencephalon.At the level of the isthmus there is a lateral nucleus composed of large catecholaminergic cells with prominent fluorescent axons and its possible homology with the locus coeruleus is considered. Medially, in the same region a nucleus of serotonergic neurones lies between the paired tracts of the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis.In the diencephalon there are three paraventricular nuclei, the nuclei recessus posterioris and lateralis and the paraventricular organ pars anterior. Ventral to the lateral recess there is a further nucleus less closely associated with the ependyma.The distribution of fluorescent fibres is described and the dispositions of the aminergic nuclei compared to those of other teleosts.     

大鼠下丘脑内一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元的分布

用ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ组织化学方法观察了大白鼠下丘脑内一氧化氮合酶（ＮＤＳ）阳性神经元的分布及形态特征。结果显示：在视上核、室旁核的大细胞部、环状核、穹窿周核、下丘脑外侧区、下丘脑腹内侧核、下丘脑背内侧核、乳头体区大部分核团均可见一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元聚集成团。在视前内侧区、视前外侧区、下丘脑前区、下丘脑背侧区、下丘脑后区、室周核、室旁核小细胞部及穹窿内可见散在的一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元。室周核内可见呈阳性反应的接触脑脊液神经元的胞体及突起。一氧化氮合酶阳性神经元大多可见突起,有的突起上可见１～２级分支,并可见膨体。下丘脑大部分区域内可见阳性神经纤维。弓状核内可见许多弧形纤维连于第三脑室室管膜和正中隆起。     

The emotional motor system.

A large number of new descending motor pathways to caudal brainstem and spinal cord have been recognized recently. Nevertheless all the new pathways seem to belong to one of three motor systems in the central nervous system (CNS). This survey gives an overview of the pathways belonging to the so-called emotional motor system or the third motor system as defined by Holstege. The similarities and differences with the core, median and lateral paracore areas of the CNS as defined by Nieuwenhuys are discussed.     

Neuropeptide FF2 receptor distribution in the human brain. An immunohistochemical study

Human neuropeptide FF2 (hFF2) receptor has been postulated to mediate central autonomic regulation by virtue of its ability to bind with high affinity to many amidated neuropeptides. In the present immunohistochemical study, we identified hFF2 positive neurons in the forebrain and medulla oblongata of individuals, who died suddenly of mechanical trauma or hypothermia. Morphologically, these neurons demonstrated features identified with both projection neurons and interneurons. In the forebrain, the highest density of hFF2 expressing neurons was observed in the anterior amygdaloid area and dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, especially in its caudal part. A lesser density of hFF2 neurons was identified in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, lateral and posterior hypothalamic areas whereas few cells were visualized in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, perifornical nucleus, horizontal limb of the diagonal band, ventral division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus basalis of Meynert and ventral tegmental area. In the medulla, significant numbers of hFF2 neurons were observed in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and to a lesser extent in the area of catecholaminergic cell groups, A1/C1. These data provide first immunohistochemical evidence of hFF2 localization in the human brain, which is consistent with that reported for tissue distribution of FF2 mRNA and FF2 binding sites within the brain of a variety of mammalian species. The distribution of hFF2 may help in identifying the role of amidated neuropeptides in the human brain within the context of central autonomic and neuroendocrine regulation.     

A serotonergic system in the brain of the Antarctic fish, Trematomus bernacchii

The immunohistochemical distribution of serotonin-containing nerve fibres and cells has been described in the brain of the Antarctic fish, Trematomus bernacchii. The largest serotonergic system was associated with the diencephalic and rhombencephalic ventricles. In particular, serotonin-positive cells have been found in the lateral recess and neuropile zone of the diencephalic ventricle, where we have identified the serotonergic portion of the paraventricular organ. Numerous serotonin cells were localized in the dorsal nucleus of the raphe, the dorsal tegmental nucleus and the central gray. Two large cell groups, arranged in a pair of well-defined columns and connecting the central gray with the dorsal reticular formation, were immunostained in the region of the trigeminal nuclei. In addition, few positive cells have been found in the preoptic area and the cerebellar valvula, and few serotonergic nerve fibres, probably belonging to the lateral lemniscus, have been identified. The distribution of serotonin elements in the brain of T. bernacchii has been compared with that described in other fish, where it showed some modifications in the immunoreactive pattern. Finally, the lack of a serotonergic system at the level of the reticular superior formation has been reported; however, it was not possible to rule out a phylogenetic or environmental explanation.     

Electrophysiological investigation of cortico-hypothalamic relations in cats

Projections of different parts of the orbito-frontal cortex, the basal temporal cortex, and the hippocampus on hypothalamic nuclei were studied by recording focal responses in acute experiments on cats anesthetized with pentobarbital and chloralose. The proreal gyrus was shown to have local projections in the latero-dorsal zones of the preoptic region, in the rostral parts of the medial forebrain bundle, and also in the region of the lateral and posterior hypothalamus with the mammillary bodies. The orbital gyrus projects mainly to the latero-dorsal portions of the forebrain bundle, the latero-ventral part of the preoptic region, and the region of the lateral and latero-dorsal hypothalamic nuclei; projections from the orbital gyrus are relatively diffuse in character. The basal temporal cortex has diffuse projections in the central part of the preoptic region, in the latero-ventral parts of the medial forebrain bundle, and in the lateral mammillary body. No marked foci of activity were found in the hypothalamic structures during hippocampal stimulation. Diffuse projections of the hippocampus were traced in the ventral part of the preoptic region and the ventral regions of the medial forebrain bundle, and also in the lateral hypothalamus and in the lateral mammillary nucleus.A. M. Gor'kii Donetsk Medical Institute. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 358–365, July–August, 1976.     

Cytoarchitectonic pattern of the hypothalamus in the crocodile,Gavialis gangeticus

Summary The hypothalamus of the crocodile, Gavialis gangeticus, was investigated to reveal the organization of various nuclear complexes and to suggest homologies. The hypothalamic nuclei of G. gangeticus are composed of magnocellular and parvocellular neuronal entities. In the magnocellular system the nucleus supraopticus is well developed, whereas the nucleus paraventricularis and nucleus retrochiasmaticus are represented by scattered somata. Application of cytoarchitectonic criteria permits the delineation of 24 distinct parvocellular nuclear complexes extending rostrocaudally from the anterior commissure to the level indicated by the median eminence and nucleus mamillaris; some are further divisible into subgroups. The nucleus of the preoptic recess appears to be a unique property of the crocodilian hypothalamus. The nucleus suprachiasmaticus possesses a wing-like ventrolateral expansion that protrudes along the lateral aspect of the optic nerve. The tuberal region displays an elaborate pattern of nuclei segregated by regional specializations of the neuropil. The nucleus hypothalamicus posterior occupies the periventricular zone, flanked laterally by the nucleus hypothalamicus dorsomedialis and nucleus arcuatus. Further laterally, extended subdivisions of the nucleus hypothalamicus lateralis contain neurons rich in Nissl substance; the specializations shown by these subdivisions, in comparison to the lateral cell groups in lizards and snakes, are suggestive of enhanced integrative functions. The conspicuous paraventricular organ is encircled by dorsal and ventral divisions of the nucleus of the paraventricular organ. The neurons of the nucleus subfornicalis and nucleus hypothalamicus medialis are few in number, but large in size. The general organization of the hypothalamus of G. gangeticus reveals a mosaic-like pattern with the constituent groups appearing as clusters of small and large neurons, arranged medially and laterally in a definitive manner and accompanied by extensive zones of neuropil in the subependymal and lateral zones of the hypothalamus. The median eminence is divisible into an anterior and a posterior region. The nuclear pattern in the crocodilian hypothalamus reveals a higher state of morphologic organization compared to the situation in lizards or snakes, and thus reflects an evolutionary trend in the avian direction.     

Identification,in the external region of the rat median eminence,of separate neurophysin-vasopressin and neurophysin-oxytocin containing nerve fibres

Summary Immuno-enzyme cytochemical investigations, using single and double staining techniques, showed that the external region of the rat median eminence contains separate neurophysin-vasopressin fibres and neurophysinoxytocin fibres. These neurophysin-hormone containing nerve fibres are influenced by bilateral adrenalectomy and by colchicine treatment. The external region of the median eminence of the homozygous Brattleboro rat contains neurophysin-oxytocin fibres. It does not contain immuno-reactive neurophysin-vasopressin fibres. Bilateral adrenalectomy also influences the neurophysin-vasopressin containing neurons of the suprachiasmatic nuclei. In the neurons of the parvicellular part of the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei, staining for vasopressin and for oxytocin is completely absent.     

Distribution of somatostatinlike immunoreactivity in the brain of the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)

The distribution of somatostatinlike immunoreactive (SLI) perikarya, axons, and terminals was mapped in subcortical areas of the brain of the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, using light microscopic immunocytochemistry. A preponderance of immunoreactivity was localized in reticular, limbic, and hypothalamic areas including: 1) in the forebrain: the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; lateral preoptic, dorsal, anterior, lateral and posterior hypothalamic areas; amygdaloid, periventricular, arcuate, supraoptic, suprachiasmatic, ventromedial, dorsomedial, paraventricular, lateral and medial mammillary, and lateral septal nuclei; the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca and nucleus accumbens septi; 2) in the midbrain: the periaqueductal gray, interpeduncular, dorsal and ventral tegmental, pretectal, and Edinger-Westphal nuclei; and 3) in the hindbrain: the superior central and parabrachial nuclei, nucleus incertus, locus coeruleus, and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis. Other areas containing SLI included the striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen), zona incerta, infundibulum, supramammillary and premammillary nuclei, medial and dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei, entopeduncular nucleus, lateral habenular nucleus, central medial thalamic nucleus, central tegmental field, linear and dorsal raphe nuclei, nucleus of Darkschewitsch, superior and inferior colliculi, nucleus ruber, substantia nigra, mesencephalic nucleus of V, inferior olivary nucleus, inferior central nucleus, nucleus prepositus, and deep cerebellar nuclei. While these results were similar in some respects to those previously reported in rodents, they also provided interesting contrasts.     

氨甲酰胆碱引起的促钠排泄与下丘脑TH—IR神经元活性的变化

目的：我们最近的实验发现大鼠侧脑室注射氨甲酰胆碱引起显著的促钠排泄作用,本工作同时还观察了下丘脑内不同脑区的儿茶酚胺能神经元活性的变化。方法和结果：氨甲酰胆碱注射后４０ｍｉｎ,下丘脑室旁核的腹侧和内侧小细胞部、内侧视前区、尾核、苍白球的酪氨酸羟化酶免疫反应（ｔｈｙｒｏｓｉｎｅｈｙｄｒｏｘｙｌａｓｅｉｍｍｕｎｏｒｅａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ,ＴＨＩＲ）阳性细胞数减少,免疫反应染色强度降低;下丘脑室旁核的后部,下丘脑前区的后部、下丘脑室周核、弓状核、下丘脑外侧区的ＴＨＩＲ阳性细胞数增多,免疫反应染色强度增强。结论：侧脑室注射氨甲酰胆碱对脑内不同脑区的内源性儿茶酚胺能神经元分别有兴奋或抑制作用,其与促钠排泄的关系将在本文中讨论     

LOCALIZATION OF GABAERGIC, CHOLINERGIC AND AMINERGIC STRUCTURES IN THE MESOLIMBIC SYSTEM

Abstract— The localization of cholinergic, GABAergic and aminergic structures in the 'mesolimbic' system has been discussed from studies on the topographical distribution of choline acetyltransferase, glutamate decarboxylase and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase in normal rat brain and in brains hemitransected at the level of globus pallidus. The structures analysed included nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, septum, medial forebrain bundle, striatum, substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and nucleus interpeduncularis.
Choline acetyltranferase was highly concentrated in the nucleus interpeduncularis, but it did also exhibit considerable activity in the nucleus accumbens, the olfactory tubercle and the striatum. The activities did not change after hemitransection. Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase was highly concentrated in the ventral tegmental area, but high activities were also found in the striatum, the nucleus accumbens, the olfactory tubercle and the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. The activity decreased in all areas rostral to the hemitransection. Glutamate decarboxylase was highly concentrated in the dopamine innervated regions, moreso in the limbic structures than in the striatum. Much higher activity was found in the substantia nigra than in the ventral tegmental area. After hemitransection the activity in the substantia nigra was decreased whereas in the ventral tegmental area it was unchanged. Our results thus suggest that dopaminergic cells in the ventral tegmental area do not receive GABAergic fibres from the terminal regions of the ascending dopaminergic fibres. In addition, we found a very high concentration of glutamate decarboxylase in a region traversed by the rostral medial forebrain bundle. Here the activity was mainly confined to the paniculate fraction, probably the synaptosomes. This fraction also displayed a very active high affinity uptake of y-aminobutyric acid.     

Cytoarchitectonic pattern of the hypothalamus in the turtle,Lissemys punctata granosa

Summary In the hypothalamus of the turtle, Lissemys punctata granosa, two magnocellular and 23 parvocellular neuronal complexes can be distinguished. The magnocellular complexes include the nucleus supraopticus and the nucleus paraventricularis; paraventricular neurons are partly arranged in rows parallel to the third ventricle. Most infundibular parvocellular nuclei display neurons disposed in rows parallel to the ventricular surface. In the preoptic region, the prominent parvocellular neuronal complexes encompass the nucleus periventricularis anterior, lateral preoptic area, the nucleus of the anterior commissure and the nucleus suprachiasmaticus. The prominent nucleus periventricularis posterior extends caudad and shows neurons arranged in vertical rows parallel to the third ventricle. Other parvocellular nuclei of the rostral hypothalamus are composed of clustered subunits. The nucleus arcuatus is a fairly large nuclear entity extending from the level marked dorsally by the nucleus paraventricularis to the area occupied by the nucleus of the paraventricular organ. A well-developed ventromedial nucleus is located ventrolateral to the paraventricular organ. The prominent paraventricular organ consists of tightly arranged neurons, some of which possess apical projections into the third ventricle; it is surrounded by the nucleus of the paraventricular organ. Nucleus hypothalamicus medialis et lateralis, nucleus hypothalamicus posterior and the nuclei recessus infundibuli are further nuclear units of the tuberal region. The caudal end of the hypothalamus is marked by the nucleus mamillaris; its neurons are scattered among the fibers of the retroinfundibular commissure. The median eminence is well developed and shows a large medial and two lateral protrusions into the infundibular recess.     

Electron microscope study of the body wall and the gut of adult Loa loa

The morphology of the body wall and the gut in the midbody region of adult male and female Loa loa originating from patients in Gabon was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The cuticle of the dorsal and ventral regions consists of ten layers. In the lateral regions the cuticle is thicker and includes two additional layers. The thin hypodermis contains numerous transhypodermal fibres. A row of median cells is situated between the syncytia in each lateral chord. No intracellular bacteria were observed. The cross-sections of each of the four muscle sectors are comprised of approximately 12 muscle cells of the coelomyarian type. The plasm of the gut cells contains large vacuoles and several mitochondria. The intestinal wall surrounds a wide lumen filled with material which occasionally contains cellular structures. The morphology of L. loa is compared with that of adult Onchocerca volvulus and Brugia malayi. The gut of the adult L. loa has the typical nematode morphology, which might be an indication of its normal function in nutrition. The multilayered cuticle with the rather smooth surface, and the prominent muscles correspond to the migratory activity of this filaria.     

Immunocytochemical localization of growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF)-containing structures in the rat brain using anti-rat GHRF serum

The distribution of growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF) immunoreactive structures in the rat hypothalmus was studied after colchicine treatment with PAP immunocytochemistry in vibratome sections using an antiserum directed to rat hypothalamic GHRF. The majority of the GHRF-immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the arcuate nucleus, the medial perifornical region, and the ventral premammillary nuclei of the hypothalamus. Scattered cells were seen in the lateral basal hypothalamus, the medial and lateral portions of the ventromedial nucleus, and the dorsomedial and paraventricular nuclei. Immunoreactive fibers were observed in all the regions mentioned above. GHRF terminals were located in the central region of the median eminence. In addition, GHRF-immunoreactive neuronal processes were seen in the ventral region of the dorsomedial nucleus, the medial preoptic and suprachiasmatic regions, dorsal portion of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminals and the hypothalamic portion of the stria terminals. The localization of GHRF-immunoreactive terminals in the median eminence reinforces the view that GHRF plays a physiological role in the regulation of pituitary function. In addition, the localization of GHRF-immunoreactive structures in areas not usually considered to project to the median eminence suggest that GHRF may act as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter.     

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)     

Ocellar projections within the central nervous system of the worker honey bee,Apis mellifera

Summary The projections of ocellar fibres within the brain and thorax of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, were established using a modified cobalt sulphide technique, supplemented by serial sectioning of the brain for the light microscope.The results are: 5 large fibres in each lateral nerve and 12 in the median nerve have wide-field terminal arborisations in ocellar association areas on either side of the posterior slope area. 9 medium-sized fibres in each lateral nerve and 12 in the median nerve form a second ocellar association area on each side of the perioesophageal foramen. A group of fine fibres, stained via the ocellar nerves, arborise just below and anterior to the protocerebral bridge. 10 medium-sized fibres run from the level of the ocellar nerve tracts to the first and second thoracic ganglia, branching in a number of discrete areas within each ganglion. These fibres also form a restricted ocellar association area within the suboesophageal ganglion. A few fibres run between the higher-order optic centres and the ocellar tract. The large- and mediumsized fibres give off short, stout spines from their axons within the ocellar tracts.