Chronic dopamine D2 receptor activation does not affect survival and differentiation of cultured dopaminergic neurons: morphological and neurochemical observations

Primary cultures of rat ventral mesencephalon were used to elucidate the role of chronic stimulation of dopamine (DA) D2 autoreceptors in the development of fetal dopaminergic neurons in vitro. Cultured dopaminergic neurons, as visualized by tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry, became more differentiated in the course of cultivation time and exhibited specific high-affinity uptake for [3H]DA. In rat striatal tissue, activation of D2 receptors has been shown to inhibit the release of DA. Previously accumulated [3H]DA was released from the cultures upon depolarization in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. K(+)-evoked [3H]DA release could be inhibited by the selective D2 receptor agonists LY 171555 and N0437 in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of LY 171555 and N0437 were antagonized by the selective DA D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. These observations are indicative for the expression of functional D2 receptors in the cultures. Daily treatment of these cultures for 7 days with LY 171555 or sulpiride did not lead to any change in protein content, the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons, or the uptake capacity for [3H]DA. Our data demonstrate that chronic stimulation of DA D2 receptors does not impair survival or differentiation of cultured fetal dopaminergic neurons.

Serotonergic fibres degenerating in the aging rat brain or sprouting from grafted fetal neurons are not affected by the neurotrophic ACTH analogue Org 2766

The effects of chronic treatment with the purported neurotrophic factor ACTH(4-9) analogue Org 2766 were studied on age-related degeneration of serotonergic fibres and on gliosis in the rat hippocampus and caudate putamen complex. In addition, the potential growth-promoting effects of Org 2766 were investigated on fetal serotonergic cells implanted in a previously denervated hippocampus of young adult rats. Chronic treatment of rats from the age of 11 months to 17-18 months did not affect the incidence of aberrant serotonergic fibres in the caudate-putamen complex or the fibres densities in the hippocampus or the caudate-putamen complex. Gliosis was unaffected by Org 2766 treatment as indicated by increased number and staining intensity of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cell bodies in both brain areas. Grafting of fetal raphe cells in young adult rats caused a time-dependent reinnervation of the previously denervated hippocampus. The reinnervation was not affected by treatment of the rats with Org 2766 for 4 weeks following implantation.

Aging of the serotonergic system in the rat forebrain: An immunocytochemical and neurochemical study

Age-related changes in both morphological and neurochemical parameters of indol- and catecholaminergic system in the rat brain were examined. A qualitative histochemical survey of the occurrence of aberrant serotonergic fibers in the aged rat brain suggests region-specificity in the process of degeneration. Forebrain areas, such as the caudate-putamen complex, globus pallidus, prefrontal and frontoparietal cortices were consistently affected, whereas serotonergic fibers were only infrequently affected in other areas like septal and amygdaloid nuclei. Neurochemical data similarly revealed regional differences. 5-Hydroxytryptamine levels were increased in the frontoparietal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and the mesencephalic raphe region but remained unchanged in the caudate-putamen complex. 5-Hydroxyindolacetic acid levels were also enhanced in all these areas. Examination of brains of 12-, 18- and 24-month-old rats revealed that aberrant serotonergic fibers were already present at the age of 12 months and their incidence increase with age. There was no difference in the number of serotonergic cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus of young and aged rats. Aberrant tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers were observed only infrequently. Their occurrence showed no overlap with the areas containing aberrant serotonergic fibers. Neurochemical estimates of the levels of catecholamines in young versus aged rat brain areas similarly revealed regional and neurotransmitter specific differences to occur during the process of aging.

On the stimulation of soluble and particulate guanylate cyclase in the rat brain and the involvement of nitric oxide as studied by cGMP immunocytochemistry

The localization of the particulate and soluble guanylate cyclase in the rat brain was studied using cGMP-immunocytochemistry. The cGMP was fixed to tissue protein using a formaldehyde fixative, and an antibody against cGMP was used which was raised against a cGMP-formaldehyde-thyroglobulin conjugate. We used the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) as a model compound to stimulate the particulate enzyme and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) to stimulate the soluble enzyme. Sequential immunostaining for cGMP and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) showed that the great majority of the ANF-responsive, cGMP-producing cells were astrocytes. These ANF-responsive cells were found in discrete parts of the CNS; not all astrocytes in these regions were responsive to ANF. SNP stimulated cGMP in abundantly present neuronal fibres throughout the CNS; few neuronal cell bodies showed increased cGMP production after SNP. Moreover, SNP also raised cGMP in astrocytes, however, not all astrocytes showed the response to SNP. These results suggest that cells might be present in the CNS which contain both the soluble and the particulate guanylate cyclase. It was demonstrated that in the immature cerebellum, the cGMP was raised in glial structures in response to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), ANF, SNP, and kainic acid. The response to NMDA and kainic acid was sensitive to inhibition of the nitric oxide synthesis from L-arginine by NG-methyl-L-arginine. Surprisingly the response to ANF localized in the molecular layer and the granular layer was also sensitive to inhibition by NG-methyl-L-arginine, whereas the response to ANF in the deep nuclei was not. A small depolarization induced by 10 to 20 mmol/l K+ induced an increase in cGMP in chopped hippocampus tissue which showed a biphasic temporal characteristic. The initial, fast (30 sec), peak was shown to be localized in varicose fibres throughout the hippocampus, whereas the slower response (10 min) was localized in astrocytes. These studies demonstrate that the different enzymes which synthesize cGMP are differently localized. However, there is also a time dependency in the activation of the guanylate cyclases, which becomes apparent in different structures at different times. The possible role of cGMP as a regulator of ion homeostase is discussed.

Ultrastructure of aberrant serotonin-immunoreactive fibers in the caudate putamen complex of the aged rat

Degeneration of neurons in the central nervous system is associated with morphological changes. Previous observations made at the light microscopical level indicated degeneration of serotonin-immunoreactive (IR) fibers in the aged rat brain. In this study, a comparison at the ultrastructural level was made between serotonin-IR normal thin and aberrant swollen varicose fibers in the caudate-putamen complex of the aged rat. Ultrastructural features such as the size and content of the thin varicose fibers resembled those in the caudate-putamen complex of the young rat as reported by others. The aberrant profiles were swollen, reaching a size of 6 microns. Their vesicles varied in size and were no longer uniformly round. Moreover, distorted mitochondria and membrane-filled vacuolelike structures were a common feature of the aberrant profiles. These changes are indicative of a degenerative process and give further evidence that, whereas many serotonergic fibers are preserved at high age, other serotonergic fibers are degenerating in the caudate-putamen complex of the aged rat.

Localization of dopamine and its relation to the growth hormone producing cells in the central nervous system of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis

The distribution of dopamine in the central nervous system of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis was investigated by using immunocytochemistry and HPLC measurements. With both methods it was demonstrated that dopamine is predominantly present in the cerebral and pedal ganglia. The dopamine-immunoreactivity was mainly observed in nerve-fibers in the neuropile of the ganglia. Relatively few dopamine-immunopositive cell bodies (diameters 10-30 microns) were found. A large cell in the right pedal ganglion (the so-called RPeD1) stained positively with the dopamine antibody. It has previously been demonstrated that the growth hormone producing cells (GHCs) possess dopamine receptors on their cell bodies. However, dopamine-immunopositive fibers were observed only in the vicinity of the GHC nerve-endings and not close to the GHC cell bodies.

Distribution of serotonin- and dopamine-immunoreactivity in the brain of the teleost Clarias gariepinus

The distribution of serotonergic and dopaminergic cell bodies and varicose fibres in the brain of the teleost Clarias gariepinus was studied immunohistochemically using antisera against formaldehyde-conjugated serotonin and dopamine. Many serotonergic and dopaminergic fibres innervated the areas dorsalis telencephali pars medialis and pars lateralis dorsalis, as well as the area ventralis telencephali pars ventralis. In the diencephalon, a large number of serotonergic and some dopaminergic fibres were found in the preoptic nucleus, innervating the cells of this nucleus. In addition, serotonergic and dopaminergic fibres were observed in the pituitary stalk and in all regions of the pituitary gland. Moreover, the diencephalon contained the highest number of serotonin- or dopamine-immunoreactive cell bodies. These cells were confined to the same periventricular nuclei as the nucleus ventromedialis thalami, the nucleus posterior periventricularis, the nucleus lateralis tuberis, the nuclei recessus lateralis and recessus posterioris. Most cells of these nuclei were in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid of the third ventricle. The brainstem contained serotonergic cell bodies in the raphe nuclei and a few serotonergic and dopaminergic fibres. The torus semicircularis was densely innervated by serotonergic fibres and, to a lesser extent, dopaminergic fibres. In the midbrain of Clarias gariepinus, no dopaminergic homologue of the substantia nigra was observed. The results are discussed both in a comparative and a physiological context. In this regard, special attention has been paid to the contribution of hypothalamic monoamines in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion as an essential step in the neuro-endocrine control of reproduction.

Morphological, neurochemical, and behavioral studies on serotonergic denervation and graft-induced reinnervation of the rat hippocampus

A procedure was developed to conduct simultaneously immunocytochemical and neurochemical studies on the serotonergic system in adjacent 300-micron-thick slices of rat hippocampus. This procedure was applied to correlate morphological (innervation pattern and density), neurochemical (5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid levels and [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine uptake and release) and behavioral (spatial learning) effects of neurotoxin-induced denervation and reinnervation by grafting fetal mesencephalic raphe cells. Intracerebroventricular injections of a low dose of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine caused a discrete serotonergic denervation of the hippocampus. Eleven months after lesioning, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid levels and [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine uptake capacity were decreased by 50-60%. By this time, the residual fibers displayed an enhanced vulnerability towards K(+)-induced depolarization. Grafting of a fetal raphe cell suspension resulted in a reinnervation of the host hippocampus. The pattern of reinnervation was comparable to control innervation and the density was supranormal at the level of the graft. As observed semiquantitatively, the innervation density decreased with distance from the core of the graft. Neurochemical studies showed that the fibers were capable of synthesizing, metabolizing and releasing 5-hydroxytryptamine. The turnover of 5-hydroxytryptamine in both the denervated and the reinnervated hippocampus was comparable to that in control tissue. Previous behavioral testing of the denervated and of the denervated and implanted animals did not reveal any effect on spatial learning, either in an individual or in a social test paradigm. The latter data substantiate the notion that interference with the hippocampal serotonergic innervation does not hamper adequate spatial learning.

Distribution of histaminergic neurons and fibers in rat brain. Comparison with noradrenergic and serotonergic innervation of the vestibular system

Histamine-immunoreactive cell bodies are strictly confined to the ventral part of the posterior hypothalamus and the region of the mamillary nuclei. They can be divided into two main cell groups with two major ascending projections and one minor descending projection. The ascending histaminergic fiber tracts innervate almost all regions of the di- and telencephalon with high numbers in for instance the median eminence, the nucleus of the diagonal tract of Broca, the caudate-putamen complex and cortical structures. The arrangement of the histaminergic neuronal system, i.e. a compact cell group with a widespread distribution of fibers, resembles that of other monoaminergic (i.e. serotonergic and catecholaminergic) systems. The vestibular system receives a high innervation of serotonergic fibers, a moderate density of noradrenergic fibers and only scattered histaminergic fibers.

Aging and regenerative capacity of the rat serotonergic system. A morphological, neurochemical and behavioral analysis after transplantation of fetal raphe cells

Morphological dissimilarities between the brains of young (3 months) and aged (28 months and older) rats were demonstrated using serotonin-immunocytochemistry. A degeneration of the serotonergic system, noted as a decreased innervation and the appearance of enlarged or swollen varicosities, was observed particularly in the frontoparietal cortex, and the neostriatum of the aged rat brain. No direct relationship between this aberrant morphology and decrease in density of serotonin-innervation was found as we demonstrated a decline in fiber density without the appearance of aberrant serotonergic fibers in the hippocampus. HPLC analysis revealed that serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in the frontoparietal cortex, hippocampus and raphe area were increased in the aged rat, while the 5-HT level in the caudate-putamen complex was not different from the young adult rat. The ratio 5-HIAA/5-HT, indicative of 5-HT turnover, appeared increased in the frontoparietal cortex, sensoric part, the caudate-putamen and the raphe area, while this ration in the frontoparietal cortex, motoric part and the hippocampus was not altered in the aged rat. Behavioral screening revealed a decrease spatial performance of aged males in a Morris Water-Maze task. To investigate whether the age of the host recipient was of influence on the regenerative capacity, a fetal raphe cell suspension of embryonic day E 15 was implanted in the caudate-putamen of young adult as well as aged rats. Neither differences in survival of the serotonergic cells nor in fiber outgrowth between both groups appeared five weeks after transplantation. Subsequently, transplantation of raphe cells in the hippocampus of young adult rats, after lesioning the hippocampal serotonergic innervation with 5,7-DHT, was performed to compare behavioral, morphological and neurochemical effects of the implants. It appeared that 11 months after transplantation the serotonergic innervation of the previously denervated hippocampus was greatly restored. There was a striking resemblance between the immunohistochemical and neurochemical data with respect to the increase in the amount of newly formed serotonergic fibers, the increase in uptake of [3H]-5-HT and in 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels. Also the behavior of lesioned and lesioned + transplanted males was rather similar to controls. In the behavioral tests we were mainly interested in hippocampal functioning, therefore orientation was of our prime interest. The other behavioral tests were only to confirm that the possible changes were linked to hypothalamic or extra-hypothalamic functions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Distribution of dopamine-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya and fibres in the brain of a teleost, Gasterosteus aculeatus L. comparison with tyrosine hydroxylase- and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons

The distribution of dopamine in the brain of the teleost Gasterosteus aculeatus L. was demonstrated with the indirect peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical method using highly specific antibodies against a dopamine-glutaraldehyde-thyroglobulin conjugate. Dopamine-immunoreactive (DAir) neuronal somata were observed in all main brain regions. In the forebrain, DAir neurons were located in a continuous cell column extending from the caudal part of the olfactory bulbs to the preoptic area. The neurons lie lateral to the dorsal (and caudally to the subcommissural) portion of the ventral telencephalic area, and ventromedial to the central nuclei of the dorsal area. In the diencephalon, cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons were located in the paraventricular organ and in the subependymal layers of the dorsal and caudal zones of the periventricular hypothalamus. Small DAir neurons were observed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, in the parvocellular preoptic nucleus and in the ventromedial thalamic nucleus, while large perikarya were observed dorsolateral to the dorsal zone of the periventricular hypothalamus ('PVO-accompanying cells'), in the posterior tuberal nucleus and in the most rostral portion of the mammillary bodies. Numerous small DAir neurons were located in the periventricular pretectal nucleus. In the brainstem, DAir neurons were observed in the isthmus region, in the dorsal raphe nucleus and in the lateral parts of the nucleus of the solitary tract. DAir perikarya were also observed in the area postrema. Direct comparison with the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase- and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactivity (THir and DBHir) gave the following results: THir neurons were found in all areas where DAir neurons were located, except for the paraventricular organ and the dorsal and caudal zones of the periventricular hypothalamus, which were devoid of THir. DBHir (putatively noradrenergic or adrenergic) neurons were observed in the lateral parts of the nucleus of the solitary tract, and in the isthmus region. The DBHir neurons in the isthmus region, which have previously been shown to be noradrenergic, appeared to be identical with the THir and DAir neurons of the same area. DAir axons were found in high numbers in most parts of the brain. Especially dense innervation was found in the ventrolateral and posterior parts of the dorsal telencephalic area, the region surrounding the lateral recesses of the third ventricle, the interpeduncular nucleus, the dorsal and median raphe nuclei (the rostral raphe nuclei), and in the nucleus of the solitary tract.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Distribution of dopamine-immunoreactive cell bodies in the guinea-pig brain

The distribution of dopamine (DA)-containing neurons in the guinea-pig brain was investigated immunohistochemically using antibodies raised against glutaraldehyde-conjugated DA. Light microscopical studies revealed the presence of nearly 50,000 DA-immunoreactive cells, localized throughout the hypothalamus and the midbrain. With a few exceptions the dopaminergic cell groups identified by different (immuno)histochemical techniques in the rat were also demonstrated in the guinea-pig brain. These include tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive positive, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive negative cells in the medial hypothalamus, the ventral tegmental area, the substantia nigra and the dorsal raphe nucleus. A group of dopaminergic cell bodies, not present in the rat, was found to extend from the nucleus retrochiasmaticus into the rostral part of the eminentia mediana. Also at variance with the rat, the guinea-pig lacked DA-immunoreactive cells in a number of homologous areas corresponding to the A15- and A8 cell groups and partly, the A14- and A10 cell groups. However, in general, the localization of dopaminergic cell bodies in the guinea-pig brain appeared similar to that in the rat brain.

The localization of histidine decarboxylase-immunoreactive cell bodies in the guinea-pig brain

In this immunocytochemical study the localization of histaminergic neurons in the guinea-pig brain was investigated using an antiserum raised against rat histidine decarboxylase. The total number of histaminergic cells appeared to be between 4200 and 4800, which is considerably higher than the number reported by others for the rat brain. The major groups of histaminergic cells were confined to the nucleus mammillaris medialis and the nucleus caudalis magnocellularis (CM). Three minor groups of histaminergic cells were found, respectively, in the area of the nucleus premammillaris ventralis, along the ventral aspect of the nucleus supramammillaris and in the nucleus caudalis magnocellularis postmammallaris (PCM). Finally, some scattered histaminergic cell bodies were observed in the nucleus mammillaris posterior. The most ventrally situated groups of histaminergic cells, i.e. the CM and PCM groups, extend into a medial direction as a string of cell bodies which is possibly located in the pia and likely bridges these bilaterally situated cell groups. Some of the histaminergic cell groups found in the guinea-pig brain appear to be absent or much smaller in the rat brain. These data indicate that the histaminergic neuronal systems in the guinea-pig and the rat brain are quite similar with regard to their overall organization, but also appear to display some differences, both with regard to the number and, at least partly, the localization of the cell bodies.

Cumene hydroperoxide, an agent inducing lipid peroxidation, and 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal, a peroxidation product, cause coronary vasodilatation in perfused rat hearts by a cyclic nucleotide independent mechanism

STUDY OBJECTIVE - The aim of the study was to determine whether cumene hydroperoxide, a substance known to induce lipid peroxidation through free radical action, and 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (4-hydroxynonenal), a major aldehyde formed during lipid peroxidation, induce coronary vasodilatation by changing cyclic nucleotide levels. DESIGN - The study involved Langendorff perfused rat hearts, using different concentrations of cumene hydroperoxide and 4-hydroxynonenal, with sodium nitroprusside for comparison. Coronary flow was measured indirectly as retrograde aortic flow, with constant perfusion pressure. Information about the precise localisation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the heart was obtained by immunocytochemistry, using a new cGMP antiserum. EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL - Hearts were from male Wistar rats, body weight 200-250 g. MEASUREMENTS and RESULTS - Both cumene hydroperoxide and 4-hydroxynonenal caused a dose dependent and reversible increase in coronary flow comparable with sodium nitroprusside. With sodium nitroprusside there was a good correlation between extent of vasodilatation and total heart cGMP concentration. Vasodilatation induced by cumene hydroperoxide or 4-hydroxynonenal was not accompanied by increase in total heart cGMP or cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) concentration. Isoprenaline was used as a positive control for cAMP. cGMP immunostaining was found in coronary vascular smooth muscle after vasodilatation with sodium nitroprusside, but no immunostaining was found in vascular smooth muscle after vasodilatation with cumene hydroperoxide or 4-hydroxynonenal. CONCLUSIONS - Cumene hydroperoxide and 4-hydroxynonenal can provoke reversible coronary vasodilatation in isolated perfused rat hearts by a cyclic nucleotide independent mechanism.

New insights into the reptilian catecholaminergic systems as revealed by antibodies against the neurotransmitters and their synthetic enzymes

The catecholaminergic systems in the lizard Gekko gecko and the turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans have been studied with specific and sensitive antibodies against the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) and the biosynthetic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase. Our results demonstrate that: (1) the hypothalamic periventricular organ contains both DA and NA cerebrospinal fluid-contacting cells. These cells are immunonegative for TH and DBH which suggests that they accumulate rather than synthesize these amines; (2) at several places, particularly in the olfactory bulb, the hypothalamus, the nucleus of the solitary tract and the area postrema, cells are present that stain with TH-antibodies but not with any of the other antisera, suggesting that these neurons contain L-dihydroxyphenylalanine as their endproduct; (3) antibodies against TH demonstrate primarily DA fibres and varicosities, whereas the distribution of DBH-immunoreactive fibres generally corresponds to that shown by antibodies against NA. The present study underscores the importance of utilizing different approaches for a complete understanding of catecholaminergic systems.

A functional parameter to study heterogeneity of glial cells in rat brain slices: cyclic guanosine monophosphate production in atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-responsive cells

Stimulation of guanylate cyclase in vitro by atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) or sodium nitroprusside was studied in rat brain tissue slices biochemically as well as by means of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) immunocytochemistry. The ANF-responsive, cGMP-producing cells were studied in the olfactory bulb, the septal area, the hippocampus, the medial amygdala, and the medial preoptic area. These cells, having the ANF-stimulated particulate guanylate cyclase, were characterized as astroglial cells on the basis of their glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining, although not all astroglial cells in these areas could be identified as cGMP-immunoreactive cells. Sodium nitroprusside-stimulated soluble guanylate cyclase activity was demonstrated in neuronal cell bodies and varicose fibers and was associated with blood vessel walls. Upon maturation, a significant decrease in cGMP production was found after stimulation by 100 nM ANF-(103-126) in the olfactory bulb, the medial amygdala, and the hippocampus, but not in the septal area; no change was found in these areas in cGMP content after stimulation of cGMP production by 10 microM sodium nitroprusside. Via cGMP immunocytochemistry, no qualitative differences were seen in the ANF-responsive, cGMP-producing cells upon maturation.

Localization of cGMP in the cerebellum of the adult rat: an immunohistochemical study

The localization of cGMP in the cerebellum of the adult rat after fixation with formaldehyde was studied with an antibody raised against a cGMP-formaldehyde-thyroglobulin conjugate. Three different protocols were used: (1) in vitro incubation of 300 microns cerebellar slices followed by fixation and cryostat sectioning; (2) in vitro incubation of 100 microns cerebellar slices followed by fixation with no further sectioning; (3) perfusion fixation of the anesthetized rat followed by vibratome sectioning. All 3 protocols gave essentially the same results: cGMP-immunoreactivity was found predominantly in Bergmann fibers in the molecular layer, in Bergmann cell bodies in the Purkinje cell layer (but not in Purkinje cells), and in astroglial cells in the granular layer.

cGMP immunocytochemistry in aorta, kidney, retina and brain tissues of the rat after perfusion with nitroprusside

The distribution of cyclic guanosine 3',5' monophosphate (cGMP) producing cells in various organs of the rat were studied immunocytochemically using antibodies raised against formaldehyde-fixed cGMP. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a direct activator of guanylate cyclase and vasodilator, was used to enhance cGMP levels. In order to reach all organs optimally, whole body perfusion was performed using a modified Krebs-Ringer buffer at 37 degrees C, aerated with 5% CO2/95% O2, also containing isobutyl methyl xanthine (IBMX); a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. After 15-min pre-perfusion, SNP was added to the perfusate, followed by fast fixation with ice-cold 4% paraformaldehyde-phosphate buffer. After vehicle perfusion, only the retina showed cGMP immunoreactivity in the photoreceptor and ganglion layer, while other organs lacked cGMP immunoreactivity. After 15-min perfusion with SNP (10 microM), enhanced cGMP immunostaining was seen in smooth muscles of the aorta, amacrine-like cells in the retina, glomeruli of the kidney cortex, blood vessels in the dura mater, as well as cells in the pineal and in the median eminence. The results indicate that the distribution and the reactivity of cGMP producing cells, situated outside the blood brain barrier, can be studied by immunocytochemistry after pharmacological manipulations of the intact tissue with a nitrovasodilator using whole body perfusion.

Similarities between aberrant serotonergic fibers in the aged and 5,7-DHT denervated young adult rat brain

Recent morphological observations have suggested neurotransmitter specific degeneration of amongst others, the serotonergic system in the aged rat brain. However, morphological studies can only give a static picture of the events that take place over a period of several months. In the present study we used an experimental model in which degeneration of the serotonergic system in the young adult rat brain was produced on a short time scale. Morphological changes were studied 2 h and 1 or 14 days after intracerebroventricular injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). Non-specific damage and severe depletion of serotonergic fibers was observed in the immediate surroundings of the injection site, representing the effects of high local concentrations of 5,7-DHT. Sometime after injection swollen varicosities and dilated non-varicose fibers were observed. Fourteen days after the 5,7-DHT treatment cluster-like fibers appeared. It is argued that these swollen and crumpled fiber knots are slowly degenerating fibers. A comparison is made with the abnormal serotonergic fibers in the aged rat brain and it is concluded that these aged abnormal fibers represent axonal degeneration of the serotonergic system in the senescent rat brain.

Formaldehyde fixation of cGMP in distinct cellular pools and their recognition by different cGMP-antisera. An immunocytochemical study into the problem of serum specificity

Three different antisera raised against the same formaldehyde fixed cGMP conjugate were tested for their specificity in two non-biological and two biological model systems. The first non-biological model system was based on nucleotides fixed to gelatin by formaldehyde and the other non-biological model was nitrocellulose paper as a carrier for nucleotides coupled to proteins by formaldehyde. All antisera proved specific for cGMP in both models. As biological models we used the in vitro incubated hippocampus slice and the in vitro incubated aortic ring. In hippocampus slices all three antisera showed cGMP-producing cells after atrial natriuretic factor stimulation. However, there were significant differences in the visualization of cGMP-immunoreactivity between the three antisera when sodium nitroprusside or potassium were used to stimulate cGMP production. Nevertheless, these differential staining patterns all showed cGMP-immunoreactivity using the conventional immunocytochemical control tests. In the aorta ring all three antisera showed the same strong increase in cGMP-immunoreactivity after in vitro stimulation with sodium nitroprusside. These results were corroborated by biochemical assay of cGMP. We conclude that these three antisera all demonstrate cGMP-immunoreactivity in the biological models used. The different staining patterns that occur are caused by differences in the microchemical milieu of the formaldehyde-fixed cGMP. The use of different antibodies to cGMP may give information about this microchemical milieu which may eventually contribute to a better understanding of different intracellular cGMP pools.

Distribution of noradrenaline immunoreactivity in the forebrain and midbrain of the lizard Gekko gecko

The distribution of noradrenaline (NA) immunoreactivity in the forebrain and midbrain of the lizard Gekko gecko was studied by means of recently developed antibodies against NA. Noradrenaline-containing cell bodies are found in the hypothalamic periventricular organ and ependymal wall of the infundibular recess of the diencephalon. They are also present in the locus coeruleus and the nucleus of the solitary tract of the brainstem. Noradrenaline-immunoreactive (NAi) fibers and varicosities are widely, but not uniformly, distributed throughout the forebrain and midbrain. In the telencephalon, dense plexuses of NAi fibers are found in the bed nucleus of the medial forebrain bundle, the vertical limb of the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, and the caudoventral part of the septal region. The diencephalon, the periventricular preoptic area, the supraoptic nucleus, and, in particular, the medial habenular nucleus are densely innervated by NAi fibers, whereas in the midbrain NAi plexuses are found in the ventral tegmental area, the substantia nigra and its dorsolateral extension (RA8), and in an area ventral to the nucleus interpeduncularis, pars ventralis. Moderately dense plexuses of NAi fibers are found in the small-celled medial cortex, the dorsal cortex, and the midbrain tectum. The remaining forebrain and midbrain areas are generally not or only sparsely innervated by NAi fibers. The distribution of NAi cell bodies and fibers resembles the pattern revealed with antibodies against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). A remarkable exception is that the cells in the hypothalamic periventricular organ and ependymal wall of the infundibular recess are immunonegative for DBH. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are discussed. The present study on the distribution of NA immunoreactivity in the brain of Gekko gecko combined with the results of a previous report on the distribution of dopamine in the same species (Smeets et al., '86b) offer the opportunity to differentiate between the two catecholamines in the brain of this vertebrate.

[Morphofunctional characteristics of serotonin-like neurons in the hypothalamus of rats in ontogeny]

An attempt has been made to reveal 5-HT immunopositive (IP) neurones in the hypothalamus of intact foetuses (18th day of gestation) and neonatal (9-day) rats under normal conditions and after their treatment with drugs involved into 5-HT metabolism or into regulation of its uptake by serotoninergic neurones. 5-HTIP cells were not observed in intact animals as well as after L-tryptophan treatment, whereas two large colonies of these neurones were found in the anterio-lateral hypothalamus and dorsomedial nucleus after subsequent injections of monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline, and amino acid precursor of 5-HT synthesis, L-tryptophan. Significantly less intensive reaction was observed after injections of another precursor of 5-HT synthesis, 5-hydroxytryptophan, or pargyline only. Immunostaining evoked by pargyline or L-tryptophan can be prevented by preliminary injections of fluoxetine, a specific inhibitor of 5-HT uptake by serotoninergic neurones. These data suggest that the immunostaining of hypothalamic neurones is due to their capacity to take up specifically 5-HT from the environment rather than to its intraneuronal synthesis from L-tryptophan. However, 5-HT synthesis from 5-hydroxytryptophan in the same cells may also take place. The uptake of extracellular 5-HT by catecholaminergic neurones is absent, since nomifensine, a specific inhibitor of this uptake, does not affect immunostaining.

On the distribution and morpho-functional characteristics of 5-HT-immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamus of fetuses and neonatal rats

This study attempted to visualize serotonin (5-HT)-immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the hypothalamus of intact fetuses (E18) and neonatal rats (P9) as well as after their pretreatment with some drugs interfering with the 5-HT metabolism and uptake in the serotoninergic neurons (L-tryptophan, pargyline, 5-hydroxytryptophan, fluoxetine). The 5-HT-IR cells were not observed in the hypothalamus of normal, untreated fetuses and neonatal rats. However, two large accumulations of 5-HT-IR neurons appeared in the anterolateral hypothalamus and in the dorsomedial nucleus after the subsequent injections of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline, and the amino acid precursor of the 5-HT synthesis, L-tryptophan. A significantly less intensive reaction was observed after injections either of the second precursor of the 5-HT synthesis, 5-hydroxytryptophan instead of L-tryptophan, or pargyline only. Immunostaining, provoked by the pargyline and L-tryptophan pretreatment, was completely blocked by the injection of the specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine. It means that the 5-HT immunostaining of the hypothalamic neurons may be accounted for by their capacity to take up specifically 5-HT from the environment rather than by its intraneuronal synthesis from L-tryptophan. Nevertheless, the 5-HT synthesis from 5-hydroxytryptophan in these cells cannot be excluded. The uptake of extracellular 5-HT into catecholaminergic neurons can be excluded as nomifensine, the specific inhibitor of the uptake to these neurons, did not modify the immunostaining.

Distribution of dopamine immunoreactivity in the brain of the mormyrid teleost Gnathonemus petersii

The distribution of dopamine-containing cell bodies and fibers was studied with aid of specific antibodies against dopamine in the highly developed brain of the weakly electric fish Gnathonemus petersii. In the telencephalon, dopamine-containing cell bodies were observed in a small area, i.e., area ventralis pars dorsalis and supracommissuralis. In the diencephalon, moderate numbers of dispersed dopamine-immunoreactive cells were present in the preoptic region, while large numbers of dopamine-containing neurons occurred in the hypothalamic paraventricular organ and neighbouring regions. The paraventricular organ, located around small (anterior, intermediate, and posterior) recesses contained many dopamine-immunoreactive cerebrospinal fluid-(CSF)-contacting neurons. Dopamine-containing cells were also observed in a magnocellular hypothalamic cell group, in the nucleus of the lateral recess, and in the nucleus posterior tuberis. In the mesencephalon only a few dopamine-containing cells were observed in a dorsal tegmental (possibly pretectal) area, whereas in ventral mesencephalic regions dopamine-containing cells were lacking. More caudally, dopamine-containing cells were observed in the presumed locus coeruleus, in the caudal region of the reticular formation, and in the presumed area postrema. Dopamine-immunoreactive fiber density was very high in the medioventral hypothalamus and in the preoptic region, where a dense subependymal plexus was observed along the preoptic recess. Such a plexus was also present in the caudal rhombencephalon, where it probably arises from the area postrema. Moderate numbers of dopamine-immunoreactive fibers were present in medioventral parts of the brain along its total rostrocaudal extent as well as in several subnuclei of the torus semicircularis, in the tectum mesencephali, and in the medial part of the dorsal telencephalic area. Other parts of the dorsal telencephalic area, as well as the large cerebellum and the electrosensory lateral line lobe of Gnathonemus, did not contain detectable amounts of dopamine. In spite of the high differentiation of the brain of Gnathonemus, the distribution of catecholamines as visualized with dopamine immunohistochemistry appears to be basically similar to that described in other teleostean and actinopterygian fishes on the basis of formaldehyde-induced fluorescence or tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)