Topography and cytoarchitecture of the motor nuclei in the brainstem of salamanders

The Influence of Genome and Cell Size on Brain Morphology in Amphibians

In amphibians, nerve cell size is highly correlated with genome size, and increases in genome and cell size cause a retardation of the rate of development of nervous (as well as nonnervous) tissue leading to secondary simplification. This yields an inverse relationship between genome and cell size on the one hand and morphological complexity of the tectum mesencephali as the main visual center, the size of the torus semicircularis as the main auditory center, the size of the amphibian papilla as an important peripheral auditory structure, and the size of the cerebellum as a major sensorimotor center. Nervous structures developing later (e.g., torus and cerebellum) are more affected by secondary simplification than those that develop earlier (e.g., the tectum). This effect is more prominent in salamanders and caecilians than in frogs owing to larger genome and cells sizes in the former two taxa. We hypothesize that because of intragenomic evolutionary processes, important differences in brain morphology can arise independently of specific environmental selection.

Regional distribution of calretinin and calbindin-D28k expression in the brain of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl during embryonic and larval development

The sequence of appearance of calretinin and calbindin-D28k immunoreactive (CRir and CBir, respectively) cells and fibers has been studied in the brain of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. Embryonic, larval and juvenile stages were studied. The early expression and the dynamics of the distribution of CBir and CRir structures have been used as markers for developmental aspects of distinct neuronal populations, highlighting the accurate extent of many regions in the developing brain, not observed on the basis of cytoarchitecture alone. CR and, to a lesser extent, CB are expressed early in the central nervous system and show a progressively increasing expression from the embryonic stages throughout the larval life and, in general, the labeled structures in the developing brain retain their ability to express these proteins in the adult brain. The onset of CRir cells primarily served to follow the development of the olfactory bulbs, subpallium, thalamus, alar hypothalamus, mesencephalic tegmentum, and distinct cell populations in the rhombencephalic reticular formation. CBir cells highlighted the development of, among others, the pallidum, hypothalamus, dorsal habenula, midbrain tegmentum, cerebellum, and central gray of the rostral rhombencephalon. However, it was the relative and mostly segregated distribution of both proteins in distinct cell populations which evidenced the developing regionalization of the brain. The results have shown the usefulness in neuroanatomy of the analysis during development of the onset of CBir and CRir structures, but the comparison with previous data has shown extensive variability across vertebrate classes. Therefore, one should be cautious when comparing possible homologue structures across species only on the basis of the expression of these proteins, due to the variation of the content of calcium-binding proteins observed in well-established homologous regions in the brain of different vertebrates.

olig2-Expressing hindbrain cells are required for migrating facial motor neurons

The complicated trajectory of facial motor neuron migration requires coordination of intrinsic signals and cues from the surrounding environment. Migration begins in rhombomere (r) 4 where facial motor neurons are born and proceeds in a caudal direction. Once facial motor neurons reach their target rhombomeres, they migrate laterally and radially from the ventral neural tube. In zebrafish, as facial motor neurons migrate through r5/r6, they pass near cells that express olig2, which encodes a bHLH transcription factor. In this study, we found that olig2 function is required for facial motor neurons to complete their caudal migration into r6 and r7 and form stereotypical clusters. Additionally, embryos that lack mafba function, in which facial motor neurons also fail to complete caudal migration, lack olig2 expression in r5 and r6. Our data raise the possibility that cells expressing olig2 are intermediate targets that help guide facial motor neuron migration.

Preservation of segmental hindbrain organization in adult frogs

To test for possible retention of early segmental patterning throughout development, the cranial nerve efferent nuclei in adult ranid frogs were quantitatively mapped and compared with the segmental organization of these nuclei in larvae. Cranial nerve roots IV-X were labeled in larvae with fluorescent dextran amines. Each cranial nerve efferent nucleus resided in a characteristic segmental position within the clearly visible larval hindbrain rhombomeres (r). Trochlear motoneurons were located in r0, trigeminal motoneurons in r2-r3, facial branchiomotor and vestibuloacoustic efferent neurons in r4, abducens and facial parasympathetic neurons in r5, glossopharyngeal motoneurons in r6, and vagal efferent neurons in r7-r8 and rostral spinal cord. In adult frogs, biocytin labeling of cranial nerve roots IV-XII and spinal ventral root 2 in various combinations on both sides of the brain revealed precisely the same rostrocaudal sequence of efferent nuclei relative to each other as observed in larvae. This indicates that no longitudinal migratory rearrangement of hindbrain efferent neurons occurs. Although rhombomeres are not visible in adults, a segmental map of adult cranial nerve efferent nuclei can be inferred from the strict retention of the larval hindbrain pattern. Precise measurements of the borders of adjacent efferent nuclei within a coordinate system based on external landmarks were used to create a quantitative adult segmental map that mirrors the organization of the larval rhombomeric framework. Plotting morphologically and physiologically identified hindbrain neurons onto this map allows the physiological properties of adult hindbrain neurons to be linked with the underlying genetically specified segmental framework.

Distribution of GABA, glycine, and glutamate in neurons of the medulla oblongata and their projections to the midbrain tectum in plethodontid salamanders

In the medulla oblongata of plethodontid salamanders, GABA-, glycine-, and glutamate-like immunoreactivity (ir) of neurons was studied. Combined tracing and immunohistochemical experiments were performed to analyze the transmitter content of medullary nuclei with reciprocal connections with the tectum mesencephali. The distribution of transmitters differed significantly between rostral and caudal medulla; dual or triple localization of transmitters was present in somata throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the medulla. Regarding the rostral medulla, the largest number of GABA- and gly-ir neurons was found in the medial zone. Neurons of the nucleus reticularis medius (NRM) retrogradely labeled by tracer application into the tectum revealed predominantly gly-ir, often colocalized with glu-ir. The NRM appears to be homologous to the mammalian gigantocellular reticular nucleus, and its glycinergic projection is most likely part of a negative feedback loop between medulla and tectum. Neurons of the dorsal and vestibular nucleus projecting to the tectum were glu-ir and often revealed additional GABA- and/or gly-ir in the vestibular nucleus. Regarding the caudal medulla, the highest density of GABA- and gly-ir cells was found in the lateral zone. Differences in the neurochemistry of the rostral versus caudal medulla appear to result from the transmitter content of projection nuclei in the rostral medulla and support the idea that the rostral medulla is involved in tecto-reticular interaction. Our results likewise underline the role of the NRM in visual object selection and orientation as suggested by behavioral studies and recordings from tectal neurons.

Evolutionary Patterns of Cranial Nerve Efferent Nuclei in Vertebrates

All vertebrates have a similar series of rhombomeric hindbrain segments within which cranial nerve efferent nuclei are distributed in a similar rostrocaudal sequence. The registration between these two morphological patterns is reviewed here to highlight the conserved vs. variable aspects of hindbrain organization contributing to diversification of efferent sub-nuclei. Recent studies of segmental origins and migrations of branchiomotor, visceromotor and octavolateral efferent neurons revealed more segmental similarities than differences among vertebrates. Nonetheless, discrete variations exist in the origins of trigeminal, abducens and glossopharyngeal efferent nuclei. Segmental variation of the abducens nucleus remains the sole example of efferent neuronal homeosis during vertebrate hindbrain evolution. Comparison of cranial efferent segmental variations with surrounding intrinsic neurons will distinguish evolutionary changes in segment identity from lesser transformations in expression of unique neuronal types. The diversification of motoneuronal subgroups serving new muscles and functions appears to occur primarily by elaboration within and migration from already established segmental efferent pools rather than by de novo specification in different segmental locations. Identifying subtle variations in segment-specific neuronal phenotypes requires studies of cranial efferent organization within highly diverse groups such as teleosts and mammals.

Initiation of facial motoneurone migration is dependent on rhombomeres 5 and 6

In mammals, facial branchiomotor (FBM) neurones are born in ventral rhombomere (r) 4 and migrate through r5 to dorsal r6 where they form the facial motor nucleus. This pattern of migration gives rise to the distinctive appearance of the internal genu of the facial nerve, which is lacking in birds. To distinguish between extrinsic cues and intrinsic factors in the caudal migration of FBM neurones, this study takes advantage of the evolutionary migratory difference between mouse and chick in generating mouse-chick chimaeras in ovo. After the homotopic transplantation of mouse r5 and/or r6 into a chick embryo, chick ventral r4 neurones redirected their cell bodies towards the ectopic mouse source and followed a caudal migratory path, reminiscent of mouse FBM neurones. In a second series of grafting experiments, when mouse r4 was transplanted in place of chick r4, mouse r4 neurones were unable to migrate into chick r5, although mouse and chick cells were able to mix freely within r4. Thus, these data suggest that local environmental cues embedded in mouse r5 and r6 are directly involved in initiating caudal migration of FBM neurones. In addition, they demonstrate that chick FBM neurones are competent to recapitulate a migratory behaviour that has been lost during avian phylogeny.

Distribution of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity in the brain of anuran (Rana perezi, Xenopus laevis) and urodele (Pleurodeles waltl) amphibians

Because our knowledge of cholinergic systems in the brains of amphibians is limited, the present study aimed to provide detailed information on the distribution of cholinergic cell bodies and fibers as revealed by immunohistochemistry with antibodies directed against the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). To determine general and derived features of the cholinergic systems within the class of Amphibia, both anuran (Rana perezi, Xenopus laevis) and urodele (Pleurodeles waltl) amphibians were studied. Distinct groups of ChAT-immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in the basal telencephalon, hypothalamus, habenula, isthmic nucleus, isthmic reticular formation, cranial nerve motor nuclei, and spinal cord. Prominent plexuses of cholinergic fibers were found in the olfactory bulb, pallium, basal telencephalon, ventral thalamus, tectum, and nucleus interpeduncularis. Comparison of these results with those obtained in other vertebrates, including a segmental approach to correlate cell populations, reveals that the cholinergic systems in amphibians share many features with amniotes. Thus, cholinergic pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei could be identified in the amphibian brain. The finding of weakly immunoreactive cells in the striatum of Rana, which is in contrast with the condition found in Xenopus, Pleurodeles, and other anamniotes studied so far, has revived the notion that basal ganglia organization is more preserved during evolution than previously thought.

Motor nuclei of nerves innervating the tongue and hypoglossal musculature in a caecilian (amphibia:gymnophiona), as revealed by HRP transport

The organization of the motor nuclei of the glossopharyngeal, vagal, occipital, first spinal and second spinal nerves of Typhlonectes natans (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliaidae: Typhlonectinae) was studied by using horseradish peroxidase reaction staining. Each nucleus has discrete patterns of cytoarchitecture and of topography. Nuclei are elongate and some overlap anteroposteriorly. The brainstem is elongate, with no distinct demarcation of brainstem from spinal cord. The occipital nerve emerges through a separate foramen from that for the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves in the species studied, is distinct from both, and its nucleus is more similar to spinal nuclei in cytoarchitecture. The occipital nerve fuses with spinal nerves 1 and 2 to contribute to the hypoglossal trunk. A spinal accessory nerve is absent.

Differentiation processes in the amphibian brain with special emphasis on heterochronies

Amphibians and caecilians exhibit a great variety of adult morphologies, life histories, and developmental strategies (biphasic development, direct development, viviparity, and neoteny). While early brain development and the differentiation of neural tissues in the three amphibian orders follow a basic pattern, differences exist in the onset and offset as well as the rate of growth and differentiation processes. These differences are described within a phylogenetic framework, and special emphasis is laid on the relationship between altered ontogenies and phylogenetic diversity. We concentrate on ontogenetic differentiation processes in the motor, olfactory, and visual system. We discuss the morphological consequences of secondary simplification of the brain in the context of paedomorphosis, which has happened several times independently among amphibians and consists in the abbreviation or truncation of late developmental processes. We deal with the cellular and molecular basis of brain development and the consequences for the adult nervous system in representative species of the three amphibian orders. Our analysis reveals that differences in brain morphology are largely due to heterochrony (i.e., the desynchronization of ontogenetic processes), a phenomenon that in turn is related to changes in genome sizes and life histories.

Central location of the motoneurons that supply the cucullaris (trapezius) of the clearnose skate, Raja eglanteria

A complex of three muscles (one lateral, one intermediate and one medial in position) in the clearnose skate, Raja eglanteria, is believed to be wholly, or in part, homologous to the cucullaris (trapezius). The retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase was used to discover the central location of the motoneurons that supply each of these muscles. Motoneurons that project to the lateral muscle occupy the caudal part of the ventral nucleus of X. This nucleus is situated ventrolateral to the dorsal vagal motor column at caudal medullary levels, and lateral to the main ventral motor column of the rostral spinal cord. The axons of these motoneurons exit the medulla within the caudal vagal rootlets and course peripherally within the intestinal (visceral) ramus of the vagus nerve. Motoneurons that innervate the intermediate and medial muscles are located along the ventral border of the ventral column of gray at spinal cord segments 10-15. Their axons course peripherally within the ventral roots of spinal nerves. The caudal ventral nucleus of X, the nerve that supplies the lateral muscle, and the lateral muscle are likely homologues of the accessory nucleus, accessory nerve, and cucullaris (trapezius), respectively, among other fishes and tetrapods. Intermediate and medial muscles, based on the central location of motoneurons that supply them, are part of the longitudinal epaxial musculature and are not part of a trapezius complex.

Patterns of peripheral innervation of the tongue and hyobranchial apparatus in caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

The innervation of the musculature of the tongue and the hyobranchial apparatus of caecilians has long been assumed to be simple and to exhibit little interspecific variation. A study of 14 genera representing all six families of caecilians demonstrates that general patterns of innervation by the trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves are similar across taxa but that the composition of the "hypoglossal" nerve is highly variable. Probably in all caecilians, spinal nerves 1 and 2 contribute to the hypoglossal. In addition, in certain taxa, an "occipital," the vagus, and/or spinal 3 appear to contribute fibers to the composition of the hypoglossal nerve. These patterns, the lengths of fusion of the contributing elements, and the branching patterns of the hypoglossal are assessed according to the currently accepted hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships of caecilians, and of amphibians. An hypothesis is proposed that limblessness and a simple tongue, with concomitant reduced complexity of innervation of muscles associated with limbs and the tongue, has released a constraint on pattern of innervation. As a consequence, a greater diversity and, in several taxa, greater complexity of neuroanatomical associations of nerve roots to form the hypoglossal are expressed.

Morphology and distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve afferent and efferent neurons in the Mexican salamander, axolotl: a cobaltic-lysine study

Cobaltic-lysine complex was used to label the afferent and efferent components of the glossopharyngeal nerve in the ganglion and brainstem of the Mexican salamander, axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). The distribution of afferent cell bodies in the combined glossopharyngeal-vagus ganglion (the IX-X ganglion) was reconstructed from serial sections, and the sizes of the cell bodies were measured. The central projection of afferents and the location of efferent cell bodies were determined by the tracer. The afferent cell bodies in the ganglion were medium-sized (ca. 25 microns). Cell bodies with a single process were seen. The ganglion was not clearly divided into superior and inferior ganglia, as is observed in mammals and frogs, but comprised a single ganglion. Labelled cells were diffusely distributed in the rostral part of the IX-X ganglion. A few labelled cells also were seen in the caudal part, where the vagus nerve fibers and cell bodies were mainly distributed. Double labellings of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves with HRP and cobaltic-lysine demonstrated that the ganglion cells of each nerve are not clearly separated in the IX-X ganglion. In the brainstem, the majority of afferent fibers formed thick ascending and descending limbs in the solitary fasciculus. The remaining afferent fibers formed a thin bundle in the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, which had a short ascending limb and a long descending limb. These two bundles had terminal areas in the ipsilateral brainstem: in the dorsal gray matter for the solitary fasciculus and in the lateral funiculus for the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, respectively. The cell bodies of the efferent neurons possessed developed dendritic arborizations in the ventrolateral white matter, and formed a longitudinal cell column in the ventrolateral margin of the gray matter. Thus, the glossopharyngeal nerve system in the axolotl assumes a primordial form in its ganglions, but its topographical organization in the brainstem is basically similar to that in anurans.

Cytoarchitecture of the tectum mesencephali in salamanders: a Golgi and HRP study

The tectum mesencephali of salamanders shows a morphology that has long been considered primitive when compared with that of frogs. The alternative hypothesis is that the salamander brain is secondarily simplified. In order to test these two hypotheses, the cytoarchitecture of the tectum and the projections of tectal neurons were studied in 11 species of salamanders. Application of the Golgi method reveals three major morphological types. Type 1 has a very wide dendritic arborization mostly confined to the deep fiber layers, and somata are always located within the most superficial part of the periventricular gray matter. Type 2 possesses a wide to medium-size dendritic arborization. In subtype 2a the somata are located in the uppermost part of the gray, and dendrites always reach the uppermost layer of retinal afferents; in subtype 2b the somata are found in deeper parts of the gray, and dendrites arborize in the deeper layers of retinal afferents; and in subtype 2c the somata are also located in deeper parts, but the wide dendritic arborization is confined to deep fiber layers. Type 3 shows the narrowest dendritic arbors that always reach the upper two tectal fiber layers. The somata are found at any depth of the gray matter. HRP experiments reveal a correlation between morphological differences and the projections of tectal neurons. Type 1- and type 2c-like cells constitute the uncrossed tecto-bulbo-spinal tract, whereas type 1- and type 2a-like cells and migrated large spindle-shaped cells (Salamandra) constitute the crossed tecto-bulbo-spinal tract. Type 3-like neurons project to thalamic, pretectal, and isthmic termination sites. The HRP experiments also demonstrate the existence of two classes of mesencephalic trigeminal cells. A comparison shows that salamanders and frogs possess very similar functional and morphological types of tectal cells. However, tectal cells of salamanders show a "juvenile" morphology, and the number of migrated cells is about 10 times higher in frogs compared to salamanders. Both phenomena are seen as the result of secondary simplification of brain structures in the context of paedomorphosis.

Medullary reticular neurons in the Japanese toad: morphologies and excitatory inputs from the optic tectum

1. To elucidate the neural mechanisms that mediate visual responses of optic tectum (OT) to medullary and spinal motor systems, we analyzed medullary reticular neurons in paralyzed Japanese toads (Bufo japonicus). We examined their responses to electrical stimulation of OT, and stained some neurons intracellularly. Responses to stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) were also analyzed. 2. Extracellular single unit recording revealed excitatory responses of medullary neurons to OT and IX stimulation. Among 92 units encountered, 79 responded to OT stimuli, 10 to IX stimuli, and 3 to both. Some units responded to successive stimuli of short intervals with relatively stable lags. 3. Intracellular recording and staining experiments revealed morphologies of reticular neurons that received excitatory inputs from OT. Thirteen units were identified after complete reconstruction of somata and dendrites. Neurons in the nucleus reticularis medius received excitatory inputs from bilateral OT. They had wide dendrites in ventral, ventrolateral and lateral funiculi, and single axons descending in the ipsilateral ventral funiculus as far caudally as the cervical spinal cord. Some collaterals of these axons projected directly to the hypoglossal and spinal motor nuclei. Some neurons in other medullary nuclei (nuc. reticularis superior, pretrigeminal nucleus, nuc. reticularis inferior, and nuc. tractus spinalis nervi trigemini) also responded to the OT stimulation. 4. Activities in bilateral OT converge onto medullary reticular neurons, which may directly control medullary and spinal motor systems.

Organization of the motor nuclei in the cervical spinal cord of salamanders

The distribution and cytoarchitecture of motor nuclei of the cervical spinal cord were studied by using HRP techniques (whole mounts and sections) in 22 species of salamanders (families Hynobiidae, Dicamptodontidae, Ambystomatidae, Salamandridae, and Plethodontidae) representing a wide variety of life histories and functional modes of feeding. The nucleus of the first spinal nerve extends from the level of, or slightly caudad to, the root of the tenth cranial nerve, almost to the ventral root of the second spinal nerve. Approximately one-half of this nucleus is situated in the brainstem. This anterior extension is longest in bolitoglossine plethodontids. The nucleus of the second spinal nerve extends from the root of the first spinal nerve to the dorsal root of the second spinal nerve. The nuclei of the first and second spinal nerves in all species except bolitoglossines have motor neurons arranged in two columns: a lateral one containing large spindle-shaped cells and a medial one containing pear-shaped or polygonal smaller cells. The primary dendrites of these lateral and medial cells are parallel and their arborization is relatively narrow. In contrast, bolitoglossines lack the lateral motor column. The nucleus of the first spinal nerve consists only of a medial band of pear-shaped and sometimes polygonal cells, and the nucleus of the second spinal nerve is a wider band of pear-shaped and polygonal cells which are always situated inside the periventricular gray matter. The arrangement of the somata in bolitoglossines is less organized and the primary dendrites are less parallel and have a broader arborization than in other salamanders. In all species, cells in the second spinal nucleus are arranged in a less orderly manner than those in the first. All salamanders studied possess a spinal accessory nerve whose motor neurons are located in the cervical spinal cord; the axons leave the brainstem with fibers of the vagus nerve. The rostrocaudal extent of this nucleus differs markedly among species. In bolitoglossines the nucleus is more or less restricted to the region of the nucleus of the second spinal nerve. In all other species studied, the accessory nucleus extends from the obex to the caudal end of the nucleus of the third spinal nerve. In the tribe Plethodontini the cytoarchitecture of the accessory nucleus is similar to that of the second spinal. In desmognathine and hemidactyliine plethodontids as well as in all nonplethodontid species studied the nucleus consists of pear-shaped and cone-shaped cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)