Histochemical mapping of catecholamine neurons and fiber pathways in the pontine tegmentum of the dog

Locus coeruleus complex of the family Delphinidae

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the largest catecholaminergic nucleus and extensively projects to widespread areas of the brain and spinal cord. The LC is the largest source of noradrenaline in the brain. To date, the only examined Delphinidae species for the LC has been a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). In our experimental series including different Delphinidae species, the LC was composed of five subdivisions: A6d, A6v, A7, A5, and A4. The examined animals had the A4 subdivision, which had not been previously described in the only Delphinidae in which this nucleus was investigated. Moreover, the neurons had a large amount of neuromelanin in the interior of their perikarya, making this nucleus highly similar to that of humans and non-human primates. This report also presents the first description of neuromelanin in the cetaceans’ LC complex, as well as in the cetaceans’ brain.

Functional neuroanatomy of the central noradrenergic system

The central noradrenergic neurone, like the peripheral sympathetic neurone, is characterized by a diffusely arborizing terminal axonal network. The central neurones aggregate in distinct brainstem nuclei, of which the locus coeruleus (LC) is the most prominent. LC neurones project widely to most areas of the neuraxis, where they mediate dual effects: neuronal excitation by α₁-adrenoceptors and inhibition by α₂-adrenoceptors. The LC plays an important role in physiological regulatory networks. In the sleep/arousal network the LC promotes wakefulness, via excitatory projections to the cerebral cortex and other wakefulness-promoting nuclei, and inhibitory projections to sleep-promoting nuclei. The LC, together with other pontine noradrenergic nuclei, modulates autonomic functions by excitatory projections to preganglionic sympathetic, and inhibitory projections to preganglionic parasympathetic neurones. The LC also modulates the acute effects of light on physiological functions ('photomodulation'): stimulation of arousal and sympathetic activity by light via the LC opposes the inhibitory effects of light mediated by the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus on arousal and by the paraventricular nucleus on sympathetic activity. Photostimulation of arousal by light via the LC may enable diurnal animals to function during daytime. LC neurones degenerate early and progressively in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, leading to cognitive impairment, depression and sleep disturbance.

Distribution of alpha-neoendorphin immunoreactivity in the diencephalon and the brainstem of the dog

Alpha-neoendorphin (alpha-NE) is an opiate decapeptide derived from the prodynorphin protein. Its anatomical distribution in the brain of mammals other than the rat, particularly in carnivores, is less well known than for other opiate peptides. In the present work, we have charted the distribution of alpha-NE immunoreactive fibers and perikarya in the diencephalon and the brainstem of the dog. The highest densities of labeled fibers were found in the substantia nigra and in patches within the nucleus of the solitary tract. Moderate densities appeared in the arcuate nucleus (Ar), median eminence, entopeduncular nucleus, ventral tegmental area, retrorubral area, periaqueductal central gray, interpeduncular nucleus and lateral parabrachial nucleus. Groups of numerous labeled perikarya were localized in the magnocellular hypothalamic nuclei, Ar and in the central superior and incertus nuclei in the metencephalon. Moreover, less densely packed fibers and cells appeared widely distributed throughout many nuclei in the region studied. These results are discussed with regard to the pattern described in other species. In addition, the present results were compared with the distribution of met-enkephalin immunoreactivity in the diencephalon and the brainstem of the dog that we have recently described. Although the distributions of these two peptides overlap in many areas, the existence of numerous differences suggest that they form separate opiate systems in the dog.

Mesopontine organization of cholinergic and catecholaminergic cell groups in the normal and narcoleptic dog

Canine narcolepsy is a unique experimental model of a human sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. There is a consensus recognition of an imbalance between cholinergic and catecholaminergic systems in narcolepsy although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Possible substrates could be an abnormal organization, numbers and/or ratio of cholinergic to catecholaminergic cells in the brain of narcoleptic dogs. Therefore, we sought to characterize the corresponding neuronal populations in normal and narcoleptic dogs (Doberman Pinscher) by using choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Cholinergic cell groups were found in an area extending from the central to the gigantocellular tegmental field and the periventricular gray corresponding to the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT), the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT), and the parabrachial nucleus. An almost perfect co-localization of ChAT and NADPH-diaphorase was also observed. Catecholaminergic cell groups detected included the ventral tegmental area, the substantia nigra, and the locus coeruleus nucleus (LC). The anatomical distribution of catecholaminergic neurons was unusual in the dog in two important aspects: i) TH- and/or DBH-immunoreactive neurons of the LC were found almost exclusively in the reticular formation and not within the periventricular gray, ii) very few, if any TH-positive neurons were found in the central gray and dorsal raphe. Quantitative analysis did not reveal any significant differences in the organization and the number of cells identified in the LDT, PPT, and LC of normal and narcoleptic dogs. Moreover, the cholinergic to catecholaminergic ratio was found identical in the two groups. In conclusion, the present results do not support the hypothesis that the neurochemical imbalance in narcolepsy could result from abnormal organization, numbers, or ratio of the corresponding neuronal populations.

Distribution of catecholaminergic neuronal systems in the canine medulla oblongata and pons

The distribution of catecholamine-containing neurons, fibers, and varicosities in the brainstem of both adult and juvenile dogs was mapped in detail with glyoxylic acid histofluorescence. Four separate groups of catecholamine-fluorescent neurons were identified within the canine medulla and pons in locations comparable to the A1, A2, A5, and A6 regions reported in other species. However, aspects of the pattern and density of the catecholaminergic neuronal systems appeared to be unique to the dog. The A1 neurons of the caudal ventrolateral medulla were much more scattered than in rats or rabbits, but relatively similar to cats. In the A2 region of the dorsomedial medulla, catecholaminergic cells and fibers were uniquely distributed compared to other species: fluorescent neurons were scattered only within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and a distinctive pattern of fibers and varicosities outlined the nucleus of the solitary tract and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. The A5 neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla appeared at the rostral limit of the A1 region. Fluorescent A5 cells were more sparse than in rats or primates, and were patterned similarly to cats and rabbits. The canine A6 region contained the most extensive and dense grouping of catecholamine neurons and was similar in pattern to the rabbits but less extensive than that seen in cats or primates. An ascending catecholaminergic fiber pathway was traced through the central tegmental field of the canine medulla and pons, with features similar to the primate. The present study provides the first description of the catecholaminergic neuronal systems of the canine medulla.

Converting enzyme activity and angiotensin metabolism in the dog brainstem

The concentrations of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, norepinephrine, and serotonin were measured in microdissected regions of the dog's brainstem and spinal cord. In addition, we determined the in vitro metabolism of 125I-angiotensin I (Ang I) in homogenates of the same brain punch regions. High ACE-specific activity was found in the monoamine-containing regions of the brainstem and in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord. In brainstem homogenates 125I-Ang I was metabolized to angiotensin II (Ang-[1-8]) and the N-terminal heptapeptide Ang-(1-7). In the presence of MK 422 (50 microM), Ang-(1-7) was still generated, while the production of Ang-(1-8) was inhibited. This study revealed the presence of high ACE activity in monoamine regions of dog brainstem and spinal cord, and showed that the metabolite Ang-(1-7) is the major product generated from Ang I in the presence and absence of ACE inhibition.

The pigmented subpeduncular nucleus: a neuromelanin-containing nucleus in the human pontine tegmentum. Morphology and changes in Alzheimer's disease

A nuclear gray is found in the human pontine tegmentum close to the lower circumference of the superior cerebellar peduncle and is located within the pedunculo-lemniscal trigone. It is mainly characterized by the presence of medium-sized neuro-melanin-containing neurons and, therefore, referred to as the pigmented subpeduncular nucleus. Three basic neuronal types occur within the boundaries of the nucleus. Scattered among the neuromelanin-containing type I nerve cells are type II cells with lipofuscin deposits and type III neurons devoid of any pigmentation. In cases of Alzheimer-type dementia, the pigmented subpeduncular nucleus shows severe changes. Neurofibrillary tangles can frequently be found within the somata of both the melanin-laden and the lipofuscin-containing neurons. In contrast, the non-pigmented nerve cells remain devoid of such pathological filaments. Furthermore, large numbers of neuropil threads are scattered throughout the nuclear gray.

Overlap in the distribution of cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurons in the upper brainstem of the ferret

The distribution of catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurons in the upper brainstem of the ferret were mapped by staining immunohistochemically two adjacent series of sections of brainstem for tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase, respectively. As in other species, large numbers of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive neurons are localized in the ventral tegmental area (A10), the substantia nigra (A9), and in A8. Tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive neurons in the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum (A4, A6, and A7--the locus coeruleus complex) of the ferret are rather diffusely distributed, as has been observed in other carnivore species such as the cat and the dog, but unlike the cat, these cells in the ferret display a relative uniformity in size and morphology. Choline-acetyltransferase-positive neurons which extend in the ferret's pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus and ventral parabrachial area (Ch5) are relatively large cells that stain intensely for choline acetyltransferase, and their dendrites form prominent bundles in regions where unstained fibre tracts are prevalent. Choline-acetyltransferase-positive neurons distributed in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (Ch6) are smaller than the cholinergic cells of Ch5, and they stain less intensely for choline acetyltransferase. Rostrally, there is little overlap between the catecholaminergic cell groups A8, A9, and A10 and the cholinergic cell groups of Ch5 and Ch6. Caudally, the Ch5 neurons extend some considerable extent into the locus coeruleus complex. In the region of overlap, no cells with staining for both tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase were observed, as was ascertained with a double staining method employing a combination of tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence and choline acetyltransferase peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, the ferret has a typically carnivore pattern for the distribution of catecholaminergic cells in the upper brainstem, and there is a significant overlap between the catecholaminergic and cholinergic cell groups in the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum.

Distribution of central cholinergic neurons in the baboon (Papio papio). II. A topographic atlas correlated with catecholamine neurons

The topographic distribution of central cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurons has been investigated in the baboon (Papio papio). The perikarya were mapped on an atlas through the brain and spinal cord employing sections processed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) pharmacohistochemistry coupled with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry or aqueous catecholamine-fluorescence histochemistry. Compared with subprimates, there is a remarkable increase in the volume occupied by and the number of cholinergic cells contained in the nucleus basalis and nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus (subnucleus compacta). The elaboration of these parts of the cholinergic system is accompanied by a large extension of catecholaminergic cell groups in the midbrain (groups A8-A10), particularly the substantia nigra (pars compacta), and in the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum (A5-A7 complex). Although cholinergic and catecholaminergic soma generally occupy distinctly different regions of the brain, a close apposition of cholinergic and noradrenergic neurons occurs in the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum. In the peripeduncular region ChAT-positive cells and green fluorescent neurons of the A6-A7 complex form parallel lines and do not intermingle as has previously been demonstrated in the cat. Two distribution patterns, aggregated or disseminated, are another common feature of central cholinergic and catecholaminergic perikarya. The cholinergic neurons in the nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus and the catecholaminergic neurons in A6-A7 complex display both patterns. This comparative study of three transmitter systems in the baboon suggests that the cholinergic as well as the catecholaminergic neurons that give rise to ascending telencephalic and dorsal diencephalic projections undergo phylogenetic development in terms of cell number and nuclear volume.

Electrophysiological properties of spinally-projecting A5 noradrenergic neurons

Spinally-projecting A5 neurons were studied with anatomical and electrophysiological techniques in the rat. A detailed study of the number and distribution of spinally-projecting catecholaminergic (CA) and non-catecholaminergic neurons present in a defined area of ventrolateral pontine reticular formation was performed using a sequential technique for the detection of CA fluorescence and retrogradely transported HRP. Using control animals and rats with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesions of spinal CA axons, it was concluded that up to 93% of all noradrenergic (NE) neurons present in the area investigated send an axonal process to the thoracic spinal cord and that NE neurons constitute at least 90% of all spinally-projecting neurons present in the same area. Single unit recordings of spinally-projecting neurons were obtained in the same area of the reticular formation in urethane-anesthetized, paralyzed and respirated rats. Based on the above-mentioned anatomical data, antidromic activation from thoracic spinal cord provided a necessary and sufficient criterion for the identification of A5 NE cells. These neurons had a conduction velocity of 2.5 m/s, a discharge rate of up to 4 spikes/s and all were inhibited by i.v. clonidine or desmethylimipramine (DMI). The inhibition produced by the latter drugs was always reversed by the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists piperoxan or yohimbine. Antidromic (AD)-activation was followed by a period of inhibition whose duration was increased by raising the intensity of the stimulus or by administration of the NE-uptake inhibitor DMI. The effect of the latter was reversed by administration of the alpha-2 antagonist piperoxan.

Changes in cerebral norepinephrine induced by vibration or noise stress

To investigate the effects of whole body vibration on the central nervous system, rats were exposed to various whole body vibrations and examined for changes in the levels of norepinephrine (NE) in whole brain or regions of the brain. Whole brain NE had decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) after an acceleration of 5.0G with a frequency of 20 Hz; and the decrease was also observed in the hypothalamus (P less than 0.01) and the hippocampus (P less than 0.10). Exposure to noise [100 dB (A)] caused a significant decrease in NE. This decrease related particularly to a significant decrease in midbrain NE (P less than 0.05) and a non-significant decrease of NE in the hypothalamus.

Atlas of catecholamine perikarya, varicosities and pathways in the brainstem of the cat

By application of a modified glyoxylic acid--paraformaldehyde histofluorescence technique, catecholamine perikarya, varicosities, and pathways were delineated within the brainstem of kittens that were either untreated, pretreated pharmacologically, or injected intracerebrally with 6-OHDA. Three principle catecholamine cell groups were identified within the medulla and pons; the dorsomedial medullary cell group, the dorsolateral pontine cell group, and a ventrolateral cell group extending from the medulla into the pons. Induced axonal accumulation of catecholamines with intracerebral 6-OHDA injections revealed a major longitudinal catecholamine bundle which courses in a dorsolateral position through the entire brainstem tegmentum. The dorsomedial medullary and dorsolateral pontine cell groups contribute ascending and descending fibers to this bundle. Axons of the ventrolateral pontomedullary cells also feed into the bundle at successive levels through radially coursing transverse fibers. Via this major dorsolateral conduit and its ventrally and medially coursing tributaries, catecholamine fibers and terminals are distributed to multiple nuclei through the brainstem. The regions of the catecholamine cell groups and the serotonin raphe nuclei all receive a dense catecholamine innervation. Varicosities are also dense in the visceral cranial nerve nuclei, moderately dense in most somatic spinal and cranial nerve motor nuclei, and moderate to light in sensory cranial nerve and relay nuclei. The lateral and ventromedial reticular formation are moderately innervated by varicose catecholamine fibers that traverse these regions. The longitudinal catecholamine bundle continues caudally into the lateral funiculus to descend into and innervate the spinal cord. Rostrally it continues into the tegmental fascicles of the midbrain to ascend into and innervate the diencephalon and there join the medial forebrain bundle to ascend into the telencephalon. Thus, the catecholamine neurons utilize this dorsolateral longitudinal bundle to distribute collaterals to multiple bulbar nuclei and to travel beyond the brainstem to innervate the spinal cord and forebrain.

Catecholamine-containing neurons in the mesencephalic tegmentum of the chicken. Light, fluorescence and electron microscopic studies

The nucleus tegmentalis dorsalis (NTD) which may be homologous with the mammalian locus coeruleus was investigated in the chicken by means of light, fluorescence and electron microscopy. Results are summarized as follows: 1) Numerous neurons emitting green fluorescence by the Falck-Hillarp method were observed in the NTD of the chicken. By consecutive light and fluorescence microscopy on the same section it was established that these catecholamine(CA)-containing neurons clearly coincided with the cell group named nucleus tegmentalis dorsalis by Jungherr (1945). This procedure further showed that there were also non-fluorescent neurons in the NTD. 2) On the basis of electron microscopic observation, two types of neurons were recognized in the NTD: medium-(15-25 microns) and small-sized (10-15 microns) neurons. Medium-sized neurons had a round to oval nucleus with several deep infoldings and abundant organelles. From combined fluorescence and electron microscopic examination, they obviously corresponded with CA-containing neurons demonstrated by the Falck-Hillarp method. Small-sized neurons had a round nucleus surrounded by pale cytoplasm. They corresponded with non-CA-containing neurons. 3) From morphometric analysis, it was clear that CA-containing neurons contained a well-developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and many lysosome-like dense bodies, unlike non-CA-containing neurons. This study was undertaken as the basis of a research program to elucidate the catecholaminergic projections from the NTD.

Catecholamine neurons in the brain stem of tree shrew (Tupaia)

Glyoxylic acid-paraformaldehyde-induced histofluorescence was used to determine locations of catecholamine-containing neurons in the brain stem of Tupaia. Fluorescent cells in the medulla were located ventrolaterally in association with the lateral reticular nucleus; another group was found dorsolateral to the hypoglossal nucleus and extended laterally toward the solitary nucleus. In the pons, fluorescent cells were found in locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus and in association with the superior olivary nucleus. At caudal midbrain levels, catecholamine neurons were seen within the reticular formation and in association with the dorsal raphe nucleus, while more rostrally fluorescent neurons were located in substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, among root fibers of the oculomotor nerve and in periaqueductal gray. The locations of catecholamine-containing neurons in tree shrew conform to the general mammalian pattern. Additionally, tree shrew has catecholamine neurons in the rostral mesencephalic periaqueductal gray as described in rat, opossum, rabbit and some primate; catecholamine neurons are also associated with the dorsal raphe nucleus in Tupaia, a finding previously reported only in primates.

Scattered catecholaminergic cells in the dorsolateral tegmentum caudal to locus coeruleus in cat

In the cat brain stem, extending from the caudal locus coeruleus, scattered catecholaminergic (CA) cells are distributed over a large area. This includes a periventricular region dorsolateral to the fourth ventricle corresponding to the A4 group, the white matter separating vestibular and intracerebellar nuclei, and lateral to the vestibular complex in relation to the restiform body. In all, these CA cells were found to number 122 +/- 54 (mean +/- S.D.), unilaterally.

Description of an indolaminergic cell component in the cat locus coeruleus: a fluorescence histochemical and radioautographic study

Using Falck-Hillarp fluorescence histochemical and radioautographic techniques, it has been found that, in addition to the well-known catecholaminergic cells, the locus coeruleus (LC) of the cat contains a sizeable component of indolaminergic neurons. Indolaminergic cell bodies occur in all subdivisions of the LC complex. They are most numerous in the LC proper and subcoeruleus area, but are also present in the medial and lateral parabrachial, and Kölliker-Fuse nuclei. In all, the indolaminergic cells are estimated to make up 7-10% of the monoaminergic neuronal population of the LC complex. With the exception of the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus, where somewhat larger cells occur, the indolaminergic cell bodies in different parts of the LC complex share a common fluorescence histochemical appearance. They display round to fusiform shapes and measure 30 x 18 micron on the average, which makes them cytoarchitectonically similar to the small type of noradrenergic cells in the LC. The formaldehyde-induced fluorescence of the indolaminergic cells in the LC complex was analyzed microspectrofluorometrically and the recorded excitation and emission spectra (maxima at 370 and 530 nm, respectively) were found to be identical with those recorded from midline raphe neurons. No evidence of noradrenaline content was found in the indolaminergic cells of the LC. Radioautographic experiments after intratissular injections of tritiated serotonin showed that the indolaminergic cells of the LC complex possess uptake mechanisms for serotonin. Taken together these results provide strong evidence for serotonin being the transmitter of the indolaminergic neurons discovered in the LC of the cat.

Descending monoaminergic pathways in the primate spinal cord

The distribution of monoamine axons and terminals within the spinal cord of a primate (Macaca mulatta) was studied with the Falck-Hillarp histofluorescence technique for the demonstration of biogenic amines. Catecholamine and indoleamine varicosities appeared qualitatively similar to those previously reported for the rat although the indoleamine terminals were difficult to visualize and were not studied in great detail. Catecholamine fibers innervate the substantia gelatinosa, marginal layer, intermediolateral cell column, ventral horn and the region surrounding the central canal. The location of monoamine axons, as revealed by spinal cord ligation, corresponds to that in the rat and cat with the exception of the dorsolateral region of white matter where fluorescent axons are not visible in the primate.

Atlas of the distribution of monoamine-containing nerve cell bodies in the brain stem of the cat

The distribution and morphological characteristics of monoamine (MA)-containing neuronal somata in the brain stem of kittens and of adult cats were studied by means of the Falck-Hillarp histofluorescence method. This investigation has shown, among other things, that in the midbrain of the cat the catecholamine (CA) perikarya are chiefly confined to the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, the ventromedial tegmental area, the nucleus linearis rostralis and the nucleus parabrachialis pigmentosus. Numerous CA neurons are also present in the dorsolateral part of the pontine tegmentum but also within the nucleus subcoeruleus, in nuclei lemnisci lateralis dorsalis and in nuclei parabrachialis lateralis and medialis. In the medulla, a few CA neuronal somata are lying near the hypoglossal nucleus whereas a larger number of CA cell bodies occur at the level of nucleus reticularis lateralis and in nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis. On the other hand, most of the serotonin (5-HT) perikarya are confined to the raphe nuclei of the brain stem: nuclei raphe dorsalis, centralis superior, raphe pontis, raphe magnus, raphe pallidus and raphe obscurus. Some 5-HT neuronal somata are also found lateral to the pyramidal tract and to the inferior olivary complex. The various similarities and differences in respect to the pattern of the topographical distribution of MA neurons in the brain stem of the cat as compared to that of other mammals are discussed.

Morphological organization of catecholamine terminals in the diencephalon of the rhesus monkey

The hypothalamus and thalamus of the rhesus monkey were investigated using the fluorescence histochemical method of Falck and Hillarp. The hypothalamus was found to be richly supplied with catecholamine fluorescent nerve terminals with many thick and a few varicosities, whereas nerve terminals with fine varicosities were found to be distributed over the thalamus except for the midline and medial nuclei which were innervated by nerve terminals with thicker and more intense fluorescent varicosities. The morphological characteristics and distribution pattern of catecholamine terminals were similar between the rhesus monkey and the rat. However, some species differences were noted in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, arcuate nucleus and internal layer of infundibulum in the hypothalamus. The pulvinar, which was nonexistent in the rat, had fine terminals.

The catecholamine pontine cellular groups locus coeruleus, A4, subcoeruleus in the primate Cebus apella

The distrubution of CA neurons of areas A6 and A4 was delineated in Cebus apella monkey using the fluorescent histochemical technique of Falck and Hillarp. Cytospectroscopy was utilized for CA differentiation. The noradrenergic cellular regions A6, A4, and subcoeruleus have extensively increased in size in the Cebus as compared to the rat and appear to be separate nuclear regions. Area A4 is made up of two cellular subgroups: a more abundant lateral magnocellular area with cells as large as 45 mum and a smaller medial parvocellular group where the neurons are spindle-shaped and lie within 10-100 mum of the ependyma. The neuronal processes of A4 tend to be directed towards the flocculus and paraflocculus of the cerebellum. Some processes seem to enter the ependyma and others end subependymally. The functional significance of the pontine CA neurons is discussed.

Histochemical mapping of dopamine neurons and fiber pathways in dog mesencephalon

A topographic mapping of dopamine (DA)-containing neurons and fibers was done mainly in the mesencephalon of the dog using the fluorescent histochemical technique of Falck and Hillarp. The extensive DA neuron system was found to be located in the ventral and medial regions of the mesencephalon; the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, the area almost corresponding to the ventral tegmental area of Tsai (which consists of three groups, a caudal, the nucleus parabrachialis pigmentosus, a ventral, the nucleus paranigralis and a rostral, the caudal part of the nucleus tegmentalis ventralis of Tsai), the nucleus linearis of the raphe, and the mesencephalic reticular formation. The nigro-neostriatal projection can be traced in the non-treated or nialamide plus L-dopa treated puppies without the lesion-degeneration technique. Most fibers arising from these DA cell groups assemble at the prerubral area and ascend just dorsal to the medial forebrain bundle. Most fibers turn laterally at the lateral hypothalamus and enter the neostriatum via the dorsal part of the subthalamic nucleus, the zona incerta and the capsula interna. These findings show that the distribution of DA neurons and the nigro-neostriatal pathway are fundamentally similar to those in other mammals. In this study, the processes of the nigral and paranigral DA neurons have been demonstrated to project into the pars reticulata in the dog.

Projections of the locus coeruleus and adjacent pontine tegmentum in the cat

The projections of the locus coeruleus and adjacent pontine tegmentum have been studied using anatomical and physiological methods in the cat. Axonal trajectories were traced using either the Fink-Heimer I method following electrolytic lesions, or the autoradiographic method after injection of tritiated proline into the nucleus. Results with both methods were similar. Axons of locus noeruleus neurons ascended ipsilaterally through the mesencephalon lateral to the medial longitudinal fasiculus, ventrolateral to the central gray. In the caudal diencephalon, the ascending fibers entered the centrum medianum-parafascicular complex where they diverged into two fascicles: a dorsal fascicle which terminated in the intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus, and a ventral fascicle which gave off fibers to the ventrobasal complex and reticular nucleus of the thalamus while continuing centrolaterally into the lateral hypothalamus medial to the internal capsule. Fibers of the ventral fascicle ascended in the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta and were traced through the preoptic region into the septum. Fibers could not be consistently traced to the cerebral cortex, and were not seen at all in the cerebellum. Throughout the ascending course of the path from the locus coeruleus, axons were given off to the pretectal area, the medial and lateral geniculate nuclei and the amygdala; fibers passed contralaterally through the posterior commissure, the midline thalamus, and the supraoptic commissure. Fibers descending from the locus coeruleus surrounded the intramedullary portion of the facial nerve and further caudally were observed ventrolateral to the hypoglossal and dorsal vagal nuclei. The axonal trajectories visualized with degeneration and autoradiographic methods followed closely those previously shown for reticular formation neurons, but were also similar to locus coeruleus projections revealed by histofluorescence methods. After injections of horseradish peroxidase into the centrum medianum-parafascicular complex, lateral hypothalamus or preoptic region, labeled neurons were located in the locus coeruleus, nucleus subcoeruleus, and lateral parabrachial nucleus. Reticular formation neurons were not labeled. Neurons in locus coeruleus and adjacent pontine tegmentum could be antidromically activated by stimulation in the rostral midbrain or caudal diencephalon. Our data indicate that both adrenergic and non-adrenergic neurons of the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum have similar projections.