Ontogeny of the neurotensin-containing neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical analysis. I. Forebrain and diencephalon

The ontogeny of the neurotensin (NT) neuron system in the forebrain and diencephalon of the rat was investigated by means of indirect immunofluorescence. NT-positive structures first appear in the primordium of the olfactory bulb, anterior amygdaloid area, piriform cortex, amygdaloid complex, nucleus tractus diagonalis, lateral preoptic area, and lateral hypothalamus, etc., of the fetus of gestational day 16. From this day, NT-positive structures appear gradually in various areas of the forebrain and diencephalon and reach their maximum content on postnatal day 7. In contrast, NT-positive structures decrease slightly in number as the rat grows. However, even in adult rats, numerous NT-positive structures are still identifiable in various areas of the forebrain and diencephalon.

Ontogeny of the peptidergic system in the rat spinal cord: immunohistochemical analysis

The ontogeny of neuropeptides, such as somatostatin (SRIF), substance P (SP), leucine-enkephalin (LE), and neurotensin (NT) in the spinal cord (including the spinal ganglion) of the rat, was examined by means of the indirect immunofluorescence method. SRIF and SP appear in the early fetal period before the establishment of the spinal synaptic transmission system, and their appearance precedes that of LE and NT, thus suggesting that SRIF and SP might have some important role in the development of the spinal cord. Furthermore, a number of SRIF-positive structures are found during the fetal period in the spinal cord; however, SRIF-positive fibers in the ventral horn, lamina V, VI, and X tend to decrease remarkably in number after birth, while those found in the dorsal horn maintain their immunoreactivity even in the adult rats. These facts suggest that SRIF in the latter area might function as a neurotransmitter, whereas in the former areas, SRIF might have another role in the development of the spinal cord. SP-positive structures also made their appearance during the fetal period. SP-positive fibers continue to increase in number after birth, and they can be seen throughout the entire spinal cord even in the adult rats. It becomes difficult to identify SP-positive neurons as the rats grow. Numerous SP-positive cells are demonstrated, however, by colchicine pretreatment, thus suggesting that this system is functioning actively in the adult rats. LE- and NT-positive structures appear at perinatal stages and they continue to increase in number after birth. These facts suggest that these peptides (SP, LE and NT) might act as neurotransmitters.

Two types of substance P-containing cells and their uneven distribution in the chicken retina: an immunohistochemical analysis with flat-mounts

Substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPI) was investigated in the chicken retina by means of the indirect immunofluorescence method with flat-mounts. SPI cells were located mostly in the peripheral retinal regions, while in the central region, none or only a few cells were seen. Based upon their 3-dimensional profiles, SPI cells can be divided into two types: one type belongs to the stratified amacrine cells of the first sublayer and the other to those of the third to fifth sublayer.

Evidence for the existence of an enkephalin-containing pathway from the area just ventrolateral to the anterior hypothalamic nucleus to the lateral septal area of the rat

The afferent source of enkephalin-like immunoreactive (ELI) fibers in the lateral septal area of the rat was elucidated experimentally by means of an indirect immunofluorescence technique. These ELI fibers had almost completely disappeared on the operated side after the destruction of the area just ventrolateral to the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, where a number of ELI cells was detected. This fact strongly suggests that these ELI cells project ipsilaterally to the lateral septal area.

Ontogeny of substance P-containing neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical analysis--II. Lower brain stem

Ontogeny of the substance P neuron system in the lower brain stem of the rat was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Substance P-positive structures (cells and fibers) first appeared in the primordium of the ventral part of the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini (nVs), in the reticular formation between nucleus reticularis lateralis and nVs, and in the reticular formation between nVs and nucleus originis nervi facialis, respectively, at gestational day 14. After that time, substance P-positive structures made their appearance gradually in various areas of the lower brain stem. The present study demonstrates that substance P-positive structures appear at a very early ontogenetical stage, which suggests that substance P may play a role in the development of the lower brain stem in addition to its role as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.

Overall distribution of glucagon-like immunoreactivity in the chicken retina: an immunohistochemical study with flat-mounts

Pancreatic glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) in the chicken retina was investigated by immunohistochemical methods with frozen sections and flat-mounts. Observations of the frozen sections showed that GLI is localized in the amacrine cells. Flat-mounts showed the GLI cells are evenly localized in the retina (n= or approximately 400/mm2) and composed to two types of cells--one is larger and the other is small. The former cell type occupies mainly the peripheral retinal region and the latter the central region. In addition, flat-mounts showed two types of GLI fiber plexuses in the inner plexiform layer; one is located in the area between laminae 2 and 3 and runs circularly and the other is located in lamina 1 and runs randomly. The relationship between GLI and cyclic AMP was also examined. an increase of the formation of cyclic AMP was caused by pancreatic glucagon in the chicken retina, suggesting that this peptide might have neurotransmitter or neuromodulator roles in the chicken retina.

Ontogeny of somatostatin-containing neuron system of the rat cerebellum including its fiber connections: an experimental and immunohistochemical analysis

Ontogeny of somatostatin (SRIF) neuron system of the rat cerebellum was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescent method. In addition, several operations were performed to provide the evidence of understanding the cerebellar SRIF innervation. SRIF-positive structures appeared in the primordium of the cerebellum of the fetus at gestational day 16 (14-15 mm embryos). From that time on, SRIF-positive structures identified in the cerebellum increased in number and the greatest number of SRIF-positive structures were detected in the cerebellum of the rat between newborn and 7-day-olds. Afterwards, these structures decreased remarkably in number and only a few if any SRIF-positive structures were observed in the cerebellum of the adult rats. These facts might suggest that SRIF might perform some important roles in the development of the cerebellum. The present study further elucidated that cerebellar SRIF was supplied by at least two types of sources; one was situated within the cerebellum and the other in the extracerebellar regions. The former one innervates mainly the vermis and partly the hemisphere, while the latter one projects mainly to the hemisphere and partly to the vermis.

Pathways and terminal fields of the cochlearofugal somatostatin tracts of very young rats

The cochlearofugal somatostatin (SRIF) neuron system of very young rats (between newborn and 1 week old) was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons. Cochlear nuclei (both dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei) of this stage contain numerous SRIF-positive cells which are scarcely found in adult rats. Based upon the experimental findings obtained by this study, the majority of SRIF-positive fibers originating from these nuclei reach the contralateral inferior colliculus via well-established cochlearo-inferior collicular tracts such as dorsal acoustic striae, intermediate acoustic striae and trapezoid body, respectively. The possible significance of SRIF in the development of the auditory system is briefly discussed.

Ontogeny of the leucine-enkephalin neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical analysis. I. Lower brainstem

Ontogeny of the leucine-enkephalin (L-Enk) neuron system in the lower brainstem of the rat was investigated by means of indirect immunofluorescence. L-Enk-containing cells first appear in the primordium of the medullary reticular formation just medial to the n. tractus spinalis nerve trigemini at the level of the the rostral half of the inferior olivary nucleus, in the n. cuneiformis, and in the mesencephalic reticular formation of the fetus at gestational day 16 (14-15-mm embryos). From that time onward, L-Enk-containing cells appear in various areas of the lower brainstem one after another until birth. After birth, although L-Enk-containing cells decrease slightly in number as the rats grow, L-Enk-containing fibers continue to increase in number.

Experimental and immunohistochemical studies on the cerebellar substance P of the rat: localization, postnatal ontogeny and ways of entry to the cerebellum

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique, the localization (including the postnatal ontogeny) of substance P in the cerebellum, and the ways of entry of substance P-containing fibers into the cerebellum were explored. In the newborn rat cerebellum, dense fiber bands of axons with substance P-like immunoreactivity which can be traced to the lower brain stem are found. These fibers are also traceable to the developing granular cell layer. Two weeks after birth, however, substance P-containing structures seen in the cerebellum begin to decrease progressively and in the cerebellum of the adult rats, only a small amount of substance P-containing structures is observed. The present study established that substance P-containing fibers are mostly derived from extracerebellar substance P-containing cells and demonstrated the presence of three sites of entry of these substance P-containing fibers to the cerebellum, via (1) the inferior cerebellar peduncle, (2) the fasciculus uncinatus and (3) the middle cerebellar peduncle, respectively. Following deafferentation of the cerebellum, substance P-accumulating fibers are observed only ventral to the lesion (i.e. on the brain stem side), while in the cerebellum a remarkable decrease of substance P-containing fibers is seen and no substance P-accumulating fibers are found dorsal to the lesion (cerebellar side).

Localization of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the anterior eye segment of squirrels: an immunohistochemical analysis

Localization of substance P (SP)-like immunoreactivity in the anterior eye segment of the squirrel was examined immunohistochemically. The present study demonstrates a dense network of SP-positive fibers in the ciliary body, particularly in the muscle layers, and several SP-positive fibers in the iris, in addition to scattered SP-positive fibers in the cornea. These facts strongly suggest that SP has an important role in the physiologic functions of the anterior eye segment.

Ontogeny of somatostatin-containing neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical analysis. II. Forebrain and diencephalon

The ontogeny of the somatostatin (SRIF) neuron system in the forebrain and diencephalon the rat was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence method. SRIF-positive cells first appear in the primordium of the hypothalamus surrounding the fasciculus mammillothalamicus of the fetus at gestational day 14 (10-12-mm embryo). At gestational days 16-17 (14-17-mm embryo, SRIF-positive cells appear in the developing piriform cortex and entopeduncular nucleus. The fetus at gestational days 18-19 (17-26-mm embryos) showed a remarkable increase in the number of SRIF-positive cells and numerous groups of such cells are detectable in various forebrain and diencephalic areas such as the hypothalamic periventricular zone, zona incerta, area lateral to the commissura posterior (ACP), area between the optic tract and capsula interna, pars retrolenticularis (AOR), n. caudatus putamen, hippocampus, somatic sensory cortex, and n. accumbens, etc. At gestational day 20, SRIF-positive cells newly appear in the septum, olfactory bulb, diagonal band of Broca, claustrum, lateral preoptic area, and lateral habenular nucleus. The majority of SRIF-positive structures found in the forebrain and diencephalon increase in number during the perinatal stage (between gestational day 21 and postnatal day 2) and more or less maintain their immunoreactivity even in adult rats. However, SRIF-positive cells located in the AOR, ACP, and lateral septal area, etc., begin to decrease in number during the perinatal stage and no or only a few SRIF-containing cells are identified in these areas of infant and adult rats.

Ontogeny of substance P-containing neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical analysis--I. Forebrain and upper brain stem

The ontogeny of substance P-containing neuron system in the forebrain and upper brain stem of the rat was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Substance P-positive structures first appeared in the primordium of the epithalamus and the area which surrounded the commissura posterior of the rat fetus corresponding to gestational day 14 (10-12 mm embryos). On and after gestational day 14, substance P-positive structures gradually made their appearance in various areas of the forebrain and upper brain stem. Substance P-positive structures thus continued to increase in number and in density during the fetus and perinatal stage and showed histochemically maximum content at the stage between postnatal days 5 and 15. After then, substance P-positive neurons tended to decrease in number as the rats grew, while substance P-positive fibers maintained in general their strong immunoreactivity even in the adult rats. The present study demonstrates that substance P-positive structures appear at a very early ontogenetical stage. This suggests that substance P might play an important role in the development of the forebrain and upper brain stem in addition to its neurotransmitter or neuromodulator functions.

Localization of LH-RH immunoreactivity in the avian retina

The present study demonstrated numerous LH-RH--positive structures in the paddy-bird (padda orizivora) retina. LH-RH-positive cells were seen in the ganglion cell layer (GL), inner plexiform layer (IPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL). Judging from the morphological features, the former two types of cells may belong to the displaced amacrine cells and the latter to the amacrine cells. LH-RH-positive fibers were found in the nerve fiber layer, GL, IPL, INL and outer plexiform layer.

Ontogeny of somatostatin-containing neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical observations. I. Lower brainstem

The ontogeny of the somatostatin (SRIF) neuron system in the lower brainstem of the rat was analyzed using the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons. SRIF-positive structures first appeared in the primordium of the ventral nucleus of the lemniscus lateralis of the rat fetus corresponding to gestational day 15 (12-14-mm embryos). On and after gestational day 15, these structures appeared in progressively more diverse areas of the lower brainstem and continued to show an increase in number and intensity up till birth. The maximum SRIF-positive structures were histochemically identified in the lower brainstem at the perinatal stage. However, after birth, the numbers of SRIF-positive structures in the lower brainstem began to decrease as the rat grew and none or only a few SRIF-positive structures were detected in the adult rats. This ontogenetical study of the SRIF neuron system on the lower brainstem of the rat strongly suggests that SRIF might play an important role in the development of the lower brainstem other than in its neurotransmitter or neuromodulator function.

Morphological study of noradrenaline innervation in the caudal raphe nuclei with special reference to fine structure

Previous histofluorescence studies have demonstrated that the caudal raphe nuclei (CRa) of the rat, particularly the ventral portion (VCRa), contains a very high density of noradrenaline (NA) terminals and in the present study we attempted to elucidate the origins and free structure of the NA terminals in this region. The majority of NA terminals found in the VCRa originated from A1 and A3 NA neurons and disclosed that a small number of very strongly fluorescent fibers located along the blood vessels arise from the superior cervical ganglion (SGC). Electron microscopic analysis after potassium permanganate fixation demonstrated that the NA terminals originated from A1 and A3 NA neurons are connected with neuronal elements, while NA fibers from the SGC were identified among the vascular elements. Axodendritic contacts were found to be predominant among the synapselike contacts of NA terminals in this area.

Topographic atlas of somatostatin-containing neurons system in the avian brain in relation to catecholamine-containing neurons system. I. Telencephalon and diencephalon

The morphological organization of the somatostatin (SRIF)-positive neurons in the forebrain (telencephalon and diencephalon) of the warbling grass parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) was studied using the indirect immunohistochemical technique of Coons and co-workers ('58). In the telencephalon, a number of SRIF-positive neurons was detected in the lobus paraolfactorius, hippocampus, and paleostriatum. Furthermore, scattered SRIF-labeled cells were noticed in the area corticoidea dorsolateralis and area temporoparieto-occipitalis. A moderate density of immunoreactive fibers was found in the above areas. In addition, although the septal areas was devoid of SRIF-positive neurons, this area contained a moderate occurred in the following hypothalamic areas: (1) nucleus medialis hypothalami posterior, (2) lateral hypothalamus, and (3) mammillary nucleus. The bird hypothalamus also received a strikingly massive SRIF innervation. The heaviest concentration of SRIF-labeled fibers was detected in the medial eminence. Many SRIF-labeled fibers were also observed in other hypothalamic regions. Their locations roughly corresponded in many cases to the areas in which SRIF-positive neurons were disclosed. The overall distribution of the catecholamine system (CA) of the avian forebrain is also represented by means of histofluorescent technique. A possible interaction between SRIF and CA neurons systems is briefly discussed.

Distribution of somatostatin in the frog brain, Rana catesbiana, in relation to location of catecholamine-containing neuron system

The distribution of somatostatin (SRIF)-immunoreactive structures in the central nervous system of the bull frog (both with and without treatment of colchicine) was studied, using the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons and co-workers (Coons, '58). SRIF-containing cells were observed in more than ten areas including the spinal cord. These SRIF-positive cells showed segmental distribution, in that SRIF-positive neurons were identified in various areas at various brain levels. An extensive network of SRIF-positive fibers was found in most parts of the central nervous system. The distribution of a catecholamine (CA)-containing neuron system in the frog brain is also presented in this study. The possible interactions between SRIF and CA neurons systems are briefly discussed.

Comparative anatomy of the distribution of catecholamines within the inferior olivary complex from teleosts to primates

The distribution of catecholamine (CA) in the inferior olivary complex (IO) of various vertebrate (from fish to monkey) was investigated by means of the histofluorescence technique. In addition, using rats, a further attempt was made to elucidate the origins of CA in the IO. The IO of the lower vertebrates (from fish to birds) was in general poorly innervated by the CA neuron system. IO in the lower mammals, such as insectivora and bats, contained only a few CA nerve terminals, while that in the higher mammals such as rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, and monkey revealed quite a number. In these animals, species-species patterns of CA nerve terminals were found. In the rat, the highest concentration was observed in the dorsal lamella of the principal nucleus and in guinea pig ventral lamella. In the rabbit and cat, maximum CA nerve terminals were detected in the dorsal accessory nucleus, while in the monkey, they were detected in the medial accessory nucleus. The retrograde tracer technique of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) suggested that the main source of the abundant CA terminals in IO of the rat might be A1, A2, and A3 noradrenaline neurons, though not locus coeruleus and not dopaminergic ones.

Topographic atlas of somatostatin-containing neuron system in the avian brain in relation to catecholamine-containing neuron system. II. Mesencephalon, rhombencephalon, and spinal cord

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coon's and collaborators, overall distribution of the somatostatin (SRIF)-positive neurons system in the avian lower brain stem was explored. Numerous cell somata containing SRIF were identified in the interpeduncular nucleus and substantia grisea centralis (GCT) at the level of the nucleus nervi trochlearis. Furthermore, a moderate number of SRIF-positive neurons were seen in the tectum opticum, nucleus tractus solitarii, and spinal cord. Scattered labeled cells were noticed in the rhombencephalon. A dense network of SRIF-positive fibers was distributed widely in the lower brain stem of birds. Their locations corresponded in many cases to the areas where SRIF-positive neurons were found. The present study also presents the distribution of the catecholamine (CA) neuron system in the avian lower brain stem. Possible interactions between SRIF and CA neurons systems are briefly discussed.

Experimental immunohistochemical studies on the amygdalofugal peptidergic (substance P and somatostatin) fibers in the stria terminalis of the rat

The amygdalofugal substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SRIF) neuron systems in the stria terminalis (ST) were investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons. SP- and SRIF-positive cells were mainly located in the area (Amc) between the central (ac) and medial (am) amygdaloid nuclei. Some extended medially into the am and laterally into the ac. Destruction of the Amc resulted in a marked reduction of SP- and SRIF-positive fibers in the ST. Furthermore, a substantial decrease in SP-positive fibers was seen in the dorsal part of the bed nucleus of the ST (stb), there was a small decrease in the SP-positive fibers in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), a significant decrease in the SRIF-positive fibers in the lateroventral part of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (lvAH), and a small decrease in the SRIF-positive fibers in the LH. These facts indicate that the origins of a number of SP- and SRIF-positive fibers are the Amc and that the amygdalofugal SP pathway in the ST innervates stb and LH and the amygdalofugal SRIF pathway in the ST projects to lvAH and LH.

Regional distribution of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the frog brain and spinal cord: immunohistochemical analysis

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons, the overall distribution of the substance P (SP)-positive neuron system in the frog brain and spinal cord was explored. SP-positive cells were observed in more than ten areas, such as olfactory bulb, amygdaloid complex, septal area, bed nucleus of hippocampal commissure, hypothalamic periventricular zone, dorsal and ventral thalamus, infundibulum, torus semicircularis, optic tectum, the area dorsal to the interpeduncular nucleus, central gray matter of the mesorhombencephalon, and raphe region, etc. A dense network of SP-positive fibers was also widely distributed in the frog brain and spinal cord. SP-positive fibers were roughly divided into two types. One consisted of very fine SP-positive fibers and gave the region a diffuse appearance. The area medial to n. Bellonci, interpeduncular nucleus, n. isthmi, and optic tectum contained this type of SP-positive fibers. The other one consisted of clearly distinguishable varicose fibers. A number of SP-positive fibers located in the amygdaloid complex, striatal complex, hypothalamus, central gray matter of the mesorhombencephalon, trigeminal spinal nucleus, and posterior horn of the spinal cord belonged to this category. The functional role of the SP-positive neuron system in the central nervous system is also briefly discussed.

New somatostatin-containing sites in the diencephalon of the neonatal rat

Using an immunohistochemical technique, the present study demonstrated several new somatostatin-containing sites in the diencephalon of neonatal rats which have not been reported in adult animals. These areas are the area just lateral to the commissura posterior, the area between the optic tract and capsula interna, pars retrolenticularis and n. peripeduncularis.

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in the facial, glossopharyngeal and vagal lobes of the carp

A large number of somatostatin (SRIF)-containing structures was demonstrated in the vagal and glossopharyngeal lobes of the carp by means of the indirect immunofluorescent method. The present study further showed that the facial lobe is devoid of these structures. These facts indicate that SRIF may have an important role in relaying viscerosensory information from the vagal and glossopharyngeal nerve but not from the facial nerve.

Demonstration of a substance P-like immunoreactivity in retinal cells of the rat

The distribution of substance P (SP)-like immunoreactivity in the rat retina was investigated by immunohistochemistry. SP-positive cells were found throughout the retina. The majority of them were located in the proximal portion of the inner nuclear layer and the processes from these cells directed to the inner plexiform layer where they ramified, suggesting that SP-positive cells located in this region probably are amacrine cells. Few SP-positive cells were seen within the ganglion cell layer. They were considered displaced amacrine cells.

Somatostatin in the auditory system of the rat

The present study clearly disclosed that the auditory system of the neonatal rat contains a large number of somatostatin (SRIF)-positive structures. Among them, n. cochlearis dorsalis and ventralis, n. ventralis lemnisci lateralis and n. parabrachialis colliculi inferioris contain huge collections of SRIF-positive neurons. Furthermore, the rat auditory system in general contains a number of SRIF-positive fibers.

On the afferent projections from some meso-diencephalic nuclei to n. raphe magnus of the rat

Afferent sources from meso-diencephalon to n. raphe magnus (RM) were examined by the HRP method. Following HRP injection into RM, HRP-labeled cell clusters occurred in: (1) n.linealis rostralis; (2) ventrocaudal part of n.parafascicularis; (3) zona incerta; and (4) midbrain reticular formation. As a rule, the axons from (1) and (4) mainly terminate within RM, while those from (2) and (3) seem to project to the inferior olive (IO) as well as RM. The functional significance of these nuclei is briefly discussed.

Experimental and morphological studies of te noradrenaline innervations in the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini of the rat with special reference to their fine structures

An attempt was made to elucidate the origins and fine structure of the noradrenaline (NA) terminals in the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini (Vsp) of the rat. The present study revealed that the NA in the Vsp is supplied from two NA neuron systems; bilateral locus coeruleus (LC) and medullary NA neuron group, on the grounds that: (1) two types of fluorescent fibers (fine and coarse) were identified in the Vsp; and (2) HRP injected in to the Vsp resulted in labeling of neurons of the bilateral LC and bulbal NA areas, particularly the ipsilateral A1 area. The fine structure of the NA terminals in the Vsp was investigated by a modified potassium permanganate fixation method. The NA terminals in this area contained a number of small cored vesicles together with a small number of large cored vesicles. The most frequent feature of the NA terminals found in this area wa axo-dendritic contact. A lesser, but still substantial, number with axo-axonic contact were also noticed, in connection with which, it should be stressed that the non-NA terminals examined in this study were always presynaptic in structure, since the clear vesicles found in the non-NA terminals sometimes aggregated close to the contact membrane, where some of them fused or touched the membrane. As the dendrites showing a close relationship with the NA terminals were relatively large in size and contained a number of cytoplasmic organelles, these dendrites were assumed to be the proximal segments. At the contact zone, although no typical synaptic specialization was identified, the following profiles suggestive of synaptic-like contact were demonstrated: (1) somewhat dense material between contact membranes (intersynaptic filaments); (2) a slight accumulation of the dense materials adjacent to the postcontact membrane; (3) disarrangement of the contact membranes and enlargement of the space between these membranes; and (4) aggregation of the synaptic vesicles at the contact membrane with some of them fusing or touching the contact membrane.

Ascending and cerebellar non-serotonergic projections from the nucleus raphe magnus of the rat

Non-serotonergic ascending and cerebellar projections of rat nucleus raphe magnus (RM) were disclosed using the horseradish peroxidase technique. The ascending bundle rose form rostral RM and was divided into two components; one ascended in raphe regions and the other in reticular formation. The former on innervated n. raphe dorsalis, etc., and the latter n. parafascicularis, zona incerta, etc. On the other hand, the axons innervating neocerebellum originated exclusively from caudal RM.

Localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and neurotensin immunoreactivities in the avian retina

The distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)- and neurotensin (NT)-like immunoreactivities in the chicken retina was investigated by immunohistochemistry. VIP- and NT-positive cells were found throughout the chicken retina. The majority of them were located in the proximal portion of the inner nuclear layer and the processes from these cells directed to the inner plexiform layer where they ramified, suggesting that VIP- and NT-positive cells located in this region probably are amacrine cells.

Topographic organization of the projection from the forebrain subcortical areas to the hippocampal formation of the rat

Using the technique of iontophoretic microinjection of horseradish peroxidase, the present study disclosed the complexity and high degree of the topographic organization in the forebrain subcortical afferents to the different regions of rat hippocampus, e.g. diagonal band, posterior (PH), dorsomedial and rostral lateral hypothalamic nuclei chiefly project to the rostrodorsal part (DRA) and caudal gyrus dentatus including CA3, the supramammillary area predominantly to the rostroventral area (VRA), the area lateral to PH to the DRA and VRA, substantia innominata and some thalamic nuclei (n. reuniens, n. lateralis thalami, n. anterior ventralis and n. lateralis thalami pars posterior) to the dorsal subiculum, respectively.

Ascending components of the medial forebrain bundle from the lower brain stem in the rat, with special reference to raphe and catecholamine cell groups. A study by the HRP method

The afferent connection of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) arising from the lower brain stem have been investigated by means of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with sensitive substrate, the injection was made iontophoretically into MFB at various levels. After injection of HRP into MFB, a significant number of HRP-labeled neurons were observed in the following structures of the lower brain stem: (1) raphe nuclear group, (2) locus coeruleus, (3) n. laterodorsalis tegmenti, (4) parabrachial area, (5) A1, A2, A4, A5 and A7 areas where noradrenaline-containing neurons were disseminated, (6) A8, A9 and A10 areas which contain dopamine neurons, (7) surrounding area of the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis at the level of the n. propositus hypoglossi, (8) n. prepositus hypoglossi and (9) mesencephalic gray matter. As a rule, the ascending projections are ipsilateral and course in the medial part of MFB. Regarding the raphe nuclei, we have demonstrated that the caudal raphe nuclei, such as n. raphe magnus and obscurus (but not n. raphe pallidus), also send their axons to the hypothalamus. Particularly, the axons of n. raphe magnus ascend in MFB to reach the level of the preoptic or anterior septal areas. Furthermore, in accordance with previous reports, HRP-labeled cells were also identified in the n. raphe dorsalis, centralis superior and pontis, respectively. It should be further noted that labeled cells appeared in the n. linearis caudalis. In addition, the present study indicates a number of non-aminergic cell groups as sources of ascending mfb fibers. On the whole, the present study further clarified the organization of the components of the MFB ascending from the lower brain stem, and provided some additional anatomical substrates for the physiology of the control of the forebrain by the lower brain stem neurons.

Ascending and descending components of the medial forebrain bundle in the rat as demonstrated by the horseradish peroxidase-blue reaction. I. Forebrain and upper brain stem

The ascending and descending components of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) were investigated by means of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with a sensitive substrate. The HRP was injected iontophoretically into the MFB at various levels from the anterior commissure to the posterior hypothalamus. In order to prevent the diffusion of HRP to other brain areas, a double micropipette system was used. The descending components of the MFB are derived from (1) the anterior cingulate area, infra- or prelimbic area, and sulcal cortex, (2) the lateral septal nucleus and diagonal band, (3) the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, (4) the paraventricular nucleus (5) the substantia innominata, (6) the amygdaloid complex (AM), (7) the ventromedial (VM) and dorsomedial (DM) hypothalamic nuclei, (8) the entopeduncular nucleus and (9) nucleus periventricularis stellatocellularis. The ascending components of the MFB originate in: (1) the medial preoptic nucleus, (2) the nucleus periventricularis stellatocellularis and rotundocellularis, (3) the posterior hypothalamic nucleus, (4) the parafascicular nucleus, (5) the ventral premammillary nucleus, (6) the substantia grisea periventricularis, (7) the lateral habenular nucleus, (8) the VM and DM, (9) the paratenial nucleus, (10) the AM and (11) the arcuate nucleus.

Fine structure of noradrenaline nerve terminals in the dorsomedial portion of the nucleus tractus solitarii as demonstrated by a modified potassium permanganate method

Fine structure of the noradrenaline (NA) nerve terminals in the dorsomedial portion of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) was investigated by glyoxylic acid-potassium permanganate fixation method. The NA nerve terminals in this area contained a large number of small cored vesicles (SCV) (about 400-600 A in diameter) together with a few large cored vesicles (LCV) (about 1000 A in diameter). The most frequent feature of NA nerve terminals observed in this area was axo-dendritic contact. An axo-axonic contact between NA and non-NA terminals was also occasionally identified, while no axo-somatic contact was found in this area as far as examined. At the contact zone between NA terminals and other neuronal elements, the following profiles suggestive of synapse-like contact were identified: 1) somewhat dense material between contact membranes (intersynaptic filaments); 2) a slight accumulation of dense material adjacent to postcontact membranes; 3) disarrangement of contact membranes and enlargement of the space between these membranes; 4) aggregation of SCV and LCV to contact membranes. Finally it should be emphasized that NA nerve terminals often made a neuronal cluster or rosette with other neuronal elements, suggestive of a complicated role of NA on NTS function.

Tegmentoreticular projections with special reference to the muscular atonia during paradoxical sleep in the cat: an HRP study

Using the retrograde tracer technique with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), attempts were made to determine the cells of origin and the descending pathway of the tegmentoreticular projections in order to give an anatomical substrate for the physiological phenomenon of the postural atonia observed during paradoxical sleep (PS) in the cat. The HRP was injected into various parts of the pontomedullary reticular formation (RF) including the caudal raphe nuclei, nucleus (n.) reticularis gigantocellularis (Gc), n. reticularis magnocellularis (Mc), and other pontomedullary structures adjacent to the Mc. The results indicated that the HRP injection into the Mc, particularly its caudal and lateral two-thirds, resulted in specific labeling of cells located in an area just medial to the LCa together with those in the most medial part of the LCa. Bilateral lesions of these pontine structures have been reported to suppress the atonia otherwise observed during PS in the normal cat. In addition to the HRP labeled cells, we have also observed HRP filled fiber bundles directed to labeled cells in the medial part of the LCa and immediately adjacent tegmental RF area. The same course of HRP labeled fiber bundles was also observed together with HRP labeled cells in the Mc after HRP injections into the medial part of the LCa area, indicating the existence of an interconnection between the LCa area and the Mc. The location of the tegmentoreticular pathway corresponded to that of the lesions effective to suppress the muscular atonia during PS. HRP injections into the caudal medullar caudal to the Mc, on the other hand, resulted in no or almost no HRP labeled cells in the area medial to the LCa, in spite of the presence of HRP containing neurons in other parts of the pontomedullary RF areas, showing that the tegmentoreticular projections as described above terminate almost exclusively in the Mc.

Spinal projections from the lower brain stem in the cat as demonstrated by the horseradish peroxidase technique. II. Projections from the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum and raphe nuclei

The descending projections to the spinal cord arising from the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum and brain stem raphe nuclei have been investigated by means of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique. Particular attention was taken to clarify the cells of origin and the funicular trajectory of these spinal projections. After injections of HRP into the spinal cord, a significant of HRP labeled neurons were observed in the following dorsolateral pontine tegmental structures: (1) an area ventral to the nucleus cuneiformis; (2) principal locus coeruleus; (3) locus coeruleus a; (4) locuse subcoeruleus; (5) Kölliker-Fuse nucleus; and (6) nucleus parabrachialis lateralis. As a rule, the projections are ipsilateral and descendaphe-spinal projections, we have demonstrated that the nucleus raphe dorsalis also sends axons to the cervical segment of the spinal cord. Furthermore, in accord with previous reports, HRP labeled cells were also identified in the nucleus raphe magnus, pallidus and obscurus, but not in the nucleus raphe centralis superior and pontis. On the whole the present study further clarified the organization of spinal projections from the dorsolateral pons and raphe nuclei and provided some additional anatomical data for the physiology of the tegmentospinal and raphe-spinal projections.

[Medulloblastoma with extracranial metastases--a case report (author's transl)]

A case of medulloblastoma with extracranial metastases was reported. A 20-year-old woman was operated on for cerebellar medulloblastoma twice during the past 5 years and a half. Two years after the second operation, she revealed the metastases to the cervical, axillar and inguinal lymphnodes, and to the skeletal system, such as the skull, scapula, humerus, sternum, spine, pelvis and femur. The cause of extracranial metastases in the very core in this case. While the tumor was located deep in the cerebellar hemisphere at the first operation, it spread over the cerebellar surface at the after the second operation, so that the tumor cells became infiltrative to the dura mater. Thus through lymphatic and circulatory system extracranial metastases occurred. The location of the tumor seems important in this case.

Spinal projections from the lower brain stem in the cat as demonstrated by the horseradish peroxidase technique. I. Origins of the reticulospinal tracts and their funicular trajectories

Using a retrograde tracer technique with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) attempts were made to determine the origins of reticulospinal tracts and their funicular trajectories. Reticulospinal tracts originating from the mesencephalic reticular formation (RF) were composed of: (1) descending projections arising from the cluster of cells located just lateral to the periaqueductal gray that course in the anterior funiculus (AF) and ventral part of the lateral funiculus (LF) with ipsilateral predominance; and (2) projections from the cluster of cells located dorsal to the brachium conjunctivum that course in the ipsilateral LF. Origins of the pontine reticulospinal tracts arising from the n. reticularis pontis oralis (Poo) have been divided qnto three parts: (1) medial one-third; (2) middle; and (3) ventrolateral. The axons from the medial part descend ipsilaterally via the medial part of the AF, while the axons from the ventrolateral part of the Poo give rise to diffuse descending projections in the AF and LF. The middle part of the Poo has been further subdivided into: (1) dorsal part that gives rise to spinal projections ipsilaterally in the ventrolateral funiculus (VLF); and (2) ventral, particularly its upper part, whose axons descend bilaterally via the DLF. Origins of reticulospinal tracts from the n. reticularis pontis caudalis (Poc) could be divided into three parts: (1) medial; (2) dorsolateral; and (3) ventrolateral. The medial part of the Poc is a source of axons via the medial part of the ipsilateral AF, while the ventrolateral part of the nucleus is a source of axons via the contralateral LF. The spinal projections from the dorsolateral part of the Poc appears to course diffusely in the AF and LF, but with DLF predominance. The n. reticularis gigantocellularis (Gc) was found to be a main medullary source of the spinal projections in the ipsilateral AF, while n. reticularis magnocellularis (Mc) is the major source of the fibers coursing ipsilaterally in the VLF. The most medial part of the Mc descends ipsilaterally via the medial part of the AF, while the ventrolateral part of the nucleus together with the n. reticularis lateralis of Meesen and Olszewski descends ipsilaterally via the DLF. It has also been found that the axons from the n. reticularis paramedianus pass via both the AF and LF with ipsilateral predominance, while the n. reticularis dorsalis and ventralis course via the LF with ipsilateral predominance.

Cellular organization of locus coeruleus in the rat as studied by Golgi method

The locus coeruleus (LC) of rats at different ages was studied in sections stained by the Golgi-rapid method. The LC is composed of two types of neurons, medium-sized (20mu x 35mu) and small cells (10mu x 15mu). The medium-sized cells are mainly fusiform in shape and occupy the dorso-caudal part of the nucleus, while pyramidal or multipolar cells frequently occur in the ventral part. Both types of cells bear a moderate to large number of spines on the surface of their soma, which form the main criterion for identifying the LC neurons. Though they radiate several relatively short dendrites in different directions, which bifurcate once or twice, the medio-ventral ramification is prevailing, extending beyond the limit of cells to the pontine central gray adjacent to the LC. The latter region might constitute the principal receptive sites of LC for inputs from various origins. Axons of LC neurons take their initial course either latero-rostral- or latero-caudalwards, while some axons divide dichotomously rostral- and caudalwards. Fine axon collaterals are frequently demonstrated within the LC and sometimes seem to contact with dentrites of LC neurons. Besides this, two kinds of afferents of unknown origins are observed between LC neurons. At least three kinds of small oval neurons are occasionally impregnated, though their axonal distributions cannot be demonstrated.

Afferent fiber connections from lower brain stem to hypothalamus studied by the horseradish peroxidase method with special reference to noradrenaline innervation

Attempts were made to determine the afferent projections to the anterior hypothalamus including the preoptic area from the lower brain stem by means of the horseradish peroxidase method combined with monoamine oxidase staining to identify noradrenaline (NA) neurons. In addition to this technique, a histofluorescence analysis was performed. NA fibers in the medial part of the anterior hypothalamus were mainly supplied by A1 and A2 NA neuron groups, while the lateral part and periventricular zone received NA terminals from both pontine and medulla oblongata NA neuron groups. Furthermore, the present study indicated that there were direct projections to the anterior hypothalamus from non-noradrenergic neurons in the lower brain stem: nuclei raphe dorsalis, centralis superior, cells in the mesencephalic and pontine central gray matter, nuclei parabrachialis lateralis and medialis, cells around fasciculus longitudinalis medialis.