Histochemical support for a dopaminergic mechanism in the dendrites of certain periglomerular cells in the rat olfactory bulb

Brief sensory deprivation triggers plasticity of dopamine-synthesising enzyme expression in genetically labelled olfactory bulb dopaminergic neurons

In the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, local dopaminergic interneurons play a key role in regulating the flow of sensory information from nose to cortex. These dual dopamine- and GABA-releasing cells are capable of marked experience-dependent changes in the expression of neurotransmitter-synthesising enzymes, including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). However, such plasticity has most commonly been studied in cell populations identified by their expression of the enzyme being studied and after long periods of sensory deprivation. Here, instead, we used brief 1- or 3-day manipulations of olfactory experience in juvenile mice, coupled with a conditional genetic approach that labelled neurons contingent upon their expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT-tdTomato). This enabled us to evaluate the potential for rapid changes in neurotransmitter-synthesising enzyme expression in an independently identified neuronal population. Our labelling strategy showed good specificity for olfactory bulb dopaminergic neurons, while revealing a minority sub-population of non-dopaminergic DAT-tdTomato cells that expressed the calcium-binding protein calretinin. Crucially, the proportions of these neuronal subtypes were not affected by brief alterations in sensory experience. Short-term olfactory manipulations also produced no significant changes in immunofluorescence or whole-bulb mRNA for the GABA-synthesising enzyme GAD67/Gad1. However, in bulbar DAT-tdTomato neurons, brief sensory deprivation was accompanied by a transient, small drop in immunofluorescence for the dopamine-synthesising enzyme dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and a sustained decrease for TH. Deprivation also produced a sustained decrease in whole-bulb Th mRNA. Careful characterisation of an independently identified, genetically labelled neuronal population therefore enabled us to uncover rapid experience-dependent changes in dopamine-synthesising enzyme expression.

The A30P α-synuclein mutation decreases subventricular zone proliferation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with olfactory defects in addition to dopaminergic degeneration. Dopaminergic signalling is necessary for subventricular zone (SVZ) proliferation and olfactory bulb (OB) neurogenesis. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn or Snca) modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission, and SNCA mutations cause familial PD, but how α-syn and its mutations affect adult neurogenesis is unclear. To address this, we studied a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse expressing the A30P SNCA familial PD point mutation on an Snca-/- background. We confirmed that the SNCA-A30P transgene recapitulates endogenous α-syn expression patterns and levels by immunohistochemical detection of endogenous α-syn in a wild-type mouse and transgenic SNCA-A30P α-syn protein in the forebrain. The number of SVZ stem cells (BrdU+GFAP+) was decreased in SNCA-A30P mice, whereas proliferating (phospho-histone 3+) cells were decreased in Snca-/- and even more so in SNCA-A30P mice. Similarly, SNCA-A30P mice had fewer Mash1+ transit-amplifying SVZ progenitor cells but Snca-/- mice did not. These data suggest the A30P mutation aggravates the effect of Snca loss in the SVZ. Interestingly, calbindin+ and calretinin (CalR)+ periglomerular neurons were decreased in both Snca-/-, and SNCA-A30P mice but tyrosine hydroxylase+ periglomerular OB neurons were only decreased in Snca-/- mice. Cell death decreased in the OB granule layer of Snca-/- and SNCA-A30P mice. In the same region, CalR+ numbers increased in Snca-/- and SNCA-A30P mice. Thus, α-syn loss and human A30P SNCA decrease SVZ proliferation, cell death in the OB and differentially alter interneuron numbers. Similar disruptions in human neurogenesis may contribute to the olfactory deficits, which are observed in PD.

Dopamine: A Modulator of Circadian Rhythms in the Central Nervous System

Circadian rhythms are daily rhythms that regulate many biological processes – from gene transcription to behavior – and a disruption of these rhythms can lead to a myriad of health risks. Circadian rhythms are entrained by light, and their 24-h oscillation is maintained by a core molecular feedback loop composed of canonical circadian (“clock”) genes and proteins. Different modulators help to maintain the proper rhythmicity of these genes and proteins, and one emerging modulator is dopamine. Dopamine has been shown to have circadian-like activities in the retina, olfactory bulb, striatum, midbrain, and hypothalamus, where it regulates, and is regulated by, clock genes in some of these areas. Thus, it is likely that dopamine is essential to mechanisms that maintain proper rhythmicity of these five brain areas. This review discusses studies that showcase different dopaminergic mechanisms that may be involved with the regulation of these brain areas’ circadian rhythms. Mechanisms include how dopamine and dopamine receptor activity directly and indirectly influence clock genes and proteins, how dopamine’s interactions with gap junctions influence daily neuronal excitability, and how dopamine’s release and effects are gated by low- and high-pass filters. Because the dopamine neurons described in this review also release the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA which influences clock protein expression in the retina, we discuss articles that explore how GABA may contribute to the actions of dopamine neurons on circadian rhythms. Finally, to understand how the loss of function of dopamine neurons could influence circadian rhythms, we review studies linking the neurodegenerative disease Parkinson’s Disease to disruptions of circadian rhythms in these five brain areas. The purpose of this review is to summarize growing evidence that dopamine is involved in regulating circadian rhythms, either directly or indirectly, in the brain areas discussed here. An appreciation of the growing evidence of dopamine’s influence on circadian rhythms may lead to new treatments including pharmacological agents directed at alleviating the various symptoms of circadian rhythm disruption.

Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors in mouse olfactory bulb astrocytes

Ca²⁺ signaling in astrocytes is considered to be mainly mediated by metabotropic receptors linked to intracellular Ca²⁺ release. However, recent studies demonstrate a significant contribution of Ca²⁺ influx to spontaneous and evoked Ca²⁺ signaling in astrocytes, suggesting that Ca²⁺ influx might account for astrocytic Ca²⁺ signaling to a greater extent than previously thought. Here, we investigated AMPA-evoked Ca²⁺ influx into olfactory bulb astrocytes in mouse brain slices using Fluo-4 and GCaMP6s, respectively. Bath application of AMPA evoked Ca²⁺ transients in periglomerular astrocytes that persisted after neuronal transmitter release was inhibited by tetrodotoxin and bafilomycin A1. Withdrawal of external Ca²⁺ suppressed AMPA-evoked Ca²⁺ transients, whereas depletion of Ca²⁺ stores had no effect. Both Ca²⁺ transients and inward currents induced by AMPA receptor activation were partly reduced by Naspm, a blocker of Ca²⁺-permeable AMPA receptors lacking the GluA2 subunit. Antibody staining revealed a strong expression of GluA1 and GluA4 and a weak expression of GluA2 in periglomerular astrocytes. Our results indicate that Naspm-sensitive, Ca²⁺-permeable AMPA receptors contribute to Ca²⁺ signaling in periglomerular astrocytes in the olfactory bulb.

Olfactory bulb short axon cell release of GABA and dopamine produces a temporally biphasic inhibition-excitation response in external tufted cells

Evidence for coexpression of two or more classic neurotransmitters in neurons has increased, but less is known about cotransmission. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons corelease dopamine (DA), the excitatory transmitter glutamate, and the inhibitory transmitter GABA onto target cells in the striatum. Olfactory bulb (OB) short axon cells (SACs) form interglomerular connections and coexpress markers for DA and GABA. Using an optogenetic approach, we provide evidence that mouse OB SACs release both GABA and DA onto external tufted cells (ETCs) in other glomeruli. Optical activation of channelrhodopsin specifically expressed in DAergic SACs produced a GABA(A) receptor-mediated monosynaptic inhibitory response, followed by DA-D(1)-like receptor-mediated excitatory response in ETCs. The GABA(A) receptor-mediated hyperpolarization activates I(h) current in ETCs; synaptically released DA increases I(h), which enhances postinhibitory rebound spiking. Thus, the opposing actions of synaptically released GABA and DA are functionally integrated by I(h) to generate an inhibition-to-excitation "switch" in ETCs. Consistent with the established role of I(h) in ETC burst firing, we show that endogenous DA release increases ETC spontaneous bursting frequency. ETCs transmit sensory signals to mitral/tufted output neurons and drive intraglomerular inhibition to shape glomerulus output to downstream olfactory networks. GABA and DA cotransmission from SACs to ETCs may play a key role in regulating output coding across the glomerular array.

Electron microscopy of colocalization of GABA and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in rat olfactory bulb transplants

Juxtaglomerular (JG) neurons of rat olfactory bulb (OB) are a subset of inhibitory interneurons within the OB, acting via lateral inhibition to modulate the afferent input of the primary olfactory nerve. The JG neurons, composed of periglomerular, external tufted, and short axon cells, have been found to express various neurotransmitters, including gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and dopamine. A specific set of neurons within the periglomerular population have also been shown to coexpress these neurotransmitters. Deafferentation or functional odor deprivation of the normal OB causes a loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (the rate limiting enzyme in the dopamine synthesis pathway) expression within the JG cell population, but appears to have no effect on GABA levels. Our laboratory has developed a transplantation model to further study the effects of deafferentation and subsequent reinnervation within this system. Sections from transplant (TX) OBs were reacted for GABA and TH using immunocytochemical localization protocols and studied by electron microscopy. Numerous neuronal populations were found to be either TH or GABA positive in this study, with a specific subpopulation showing colocalization of both. Although the architecture of the TX OB is somewhat disrupted and the TH- and GABA-positive cells were not as uniform in their arrangement as they are in the normal OB, we found that these cells in the TX OB were morphologically similar to the JG cells of normal OB. Positively labeled profiles were also found to receive and form numerous synaptic contacts with both host olfactory nerve axons as well as with the processes of donor neurons. These synaptic contacts were within areas that resemble the glomeruli of normal OB, suggesting that lateral inhibition may occur within the TX OB as it does in the normal. The coexpression of GABA and TH within specific neurons also indicates that a unique population of JG neurons that occur in normal OB are also found within this transplanted system as well.

Acetylcholinesterase-containing intrinsic neurons in the rat main olfactory bulb: cytological and neurochemical features

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry in light and electron microscopy was used to identify cholinoceptive neurons in the olfactory bulb of adult and 15-day-old rats. Double-labelling experiments using AChE histochemistry and either tyrosine hydroxylase or GABA immunocytochemistry with light microscopy were also performed in order to specify the chemical nature of cholinoceptive neurons. Superficial short-axon cells and several morphological subtypes of deep short-axon cells (second-order interneurons) are the most numerous AChE-containing intrinsic neurons in the olfactory bulb. Short-axon interneurons seem to be the only neurons expressing AChE in the deep olfactory bulb since the numerous granule cells (first-order interneurons) were never found to be AChE-positive, even in electron microscopy. In the superficial olfactory bulb, cholinoceptive cells belong to several neuronal categories. In addition to the intensely labelled superficial short-axon cells, a few periglomerular cells (first-order interneurons) display weak but significant AChE expression, clearly visible in electron microscopy. Both ultrastructural and double-labelling observations support the hypothesis that a subset of superficial tufted cells is also cholinoceptive. The coexistence of AChE and tyrosine hydroxylase in large neurons located in the glomerular and superficial external plexiform layers indicates that some, if not all, cholinoceptive tufted cells belong to the dopaminergic population previously observed in this area. These observations indicate that several types of intrinsic neurons express AChE and can be tentatively considered as cholinoceptive. Our results provide an anatomical substrate for hypotheses concerning the complex effects of acetylcholine in the processing of sensory information in the olfactory bulb.

Calcium-binding protein parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the rat olfactory bulb. 1. Distribution and structural features in adult rat

The laminar distribution and morphological features of parvalbumin-immunoreactive [PV(+)] neurons, one of the subpopulations of GABAergic neurons, were studied in the rat olfactory bulb at a light microscopic level. In the main olfactory bulb of adult rats, PV(+) neurons were mainly located in the external plexiform layer (EPL), and a few were scattered in the glomerular layer (GL), mitral cell layer (ML), and granule cell layer (GRL); whereas PV(+) neurons were rarely seen in the accessory olfactory bulb. The inner and outer sublayers of the EPL (ISL and OSL) appeared to be somewhat different in the distribution of PV(+) somata and features of PV(+) processes. PV(+) somata were located throughout the OSL, and PV(+) processes intermingled with one another, making a dense meshwork in the OSL; whereas, in the ISL, PV(+) somata were mainly located near the inner border of the EPL, and PV(+) processes made a sparser meshwork than that in the OSL. PV(+) neurons in the EPL were apparently heterogeneous in their structural features and appeared to be classifiable into several groups. Among them there appeared five distinctive types of PV(+) neurons. The most prominent group of PV(+) neurons in the OSL were superficial short-axon cells, located in the superficial portion of this sublayer and giving rise to relatively thick processes, in horizontal or oblique directions, which usually bore spines and varicosities. Another prominent group of PV(+) neurons extended several short, branched dendrites with spines and varicosities, which appeared to intermingle with one another, making a relatively small, spherical or ovoid dendritic field around the cell bodies; most of them resembled Van Gehuchten cells reported in previous Golgi studies. A third distinctive and most numerous group of PV(+) neurons were of the multipolar type; their somata and processes were located throughout the EPL. Their relatively smooth processes with frequent varicosities and a few spines were extended horizontally or diagonally throughout the EPL. A fourth group, which could be a subtype of the multipolar type, were located in or just above th ML and extended several thin, smooth dendrites in the EPL, some of which appeared to reach the border between the GL and EPL. Occasionally, axon-like processes arose from their cell bodies and extended into the ML. This fourth type of PV(+) neuron was named inner short-axon cells. A fifth group of neuron was located in the ML; processes of these neurons were extended horizontally, so they were named inner horizontal cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Patterns of adrenergic and peptidergic innervation in human olfactory mucosa: age-related trends

The distribution and targets of nerves containing the adrenergic markers tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, and neuropeptide Y in the human olfactory mucosa were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Tissue was obtained at autopsy from the nasal cleft of 16 adults ranging in age from 24 to 90 years, and from one spontaneously aborted 16-week-old fetus. The presence of olfactory receptor neurons in nasal mucosa was confirmed by staining with the antibody to olfactory marker protein. Targets of adrenergic innervation were blood vessels, including the vasa nervorum within the sheaths of olfactory nerve bundles, and Bowman's glands in the lamina propria. Adrenergic fibers penetrated the adventitia of blood vessels and terminated near the media, and were in close proximity to Bowman's glands but did not enter the acini. In the fetal tissue, the vasa nervorum were the major targets of adrenergic fibers. Age-related differences in the pattern and statistically significant differences in the density of innervation of blood vessels were noted between adults under and over 60 years of age. In the younger group, plexuses of nerve fibers containing colocalized dopamine beta-hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y occurred adjacent to arterioles and large bundles of fibers adjacent to venules; in older individuals, few fiber plexuses occurred adjacent to arterioles and thin bundles of fibers adjacent to venules. The distribution of adrenergic innervation suggests that vasomotor tone and secretion are regulated by adrenergic nerves. The decrease in adrenergic innervation in older individuals, with resultant effects on perireceptor processes, may be associated with age-related declines in olfactory function.

Immunocytochemical localization of calretinin in the forebrain of the rat

The distribution of the calcium binding protein calretinin (protein 10) was examined in the rat forebrain by immunohistochemistry. The main and accessory olfactory bulbs had immunoreactive label in granule, periglomerular, and mitral cells. Positive fibers were noted in the external plexiform and granule cell layers, glomeruli, and in the molecular layer of the anterior olfactory nucleus. The cerebral cortex contained calretinin label in nonpyramidal bipolar cells. Cells in the substantia nigra compacta and ventral tegmental area were also calretinin positive as were nigrostriatal and mesolimbic projections (caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens). In the hippocampus, interneurons were stained in all the subfields of the CA1-CA4 regions. In the thalamus, many positive cells were observed in the periventricular, reticular, lateral habenula, and reunions nuclei. Calretinin immunoreactive cells were particularly abundant in the lateral mamillary and septofimbrial nuclei. Several fiber tracts were also revealed, i.e., the lateral olfactory tract, mamillothalamic tract, fasciculus retroflexus, optic tract, and stria medullaris. These results demonstrate a distinct distribution of calretinin within cell bodies and fibers.

Transneuronal regulation of neuronal specific gene expression in the mouse olfactory bulb

Peripheral afferent denervation (deafferentation) of the rodent main olfactory bulb produces a marked decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and immunoreactivity in a population of juxtaglomerular dopaminergic neurons. Preservation of activity and immunostaining for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase implies that these cells do not die, but change phenotype. We now report that the steady-state level of TH mRNA markedly decreases in the adult mouse olfactory bulb in response to deafferentation. This reduction is permanent following intranasal irrigation with 0.17 M zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) but reversible following deafferentation produced by intranasal irrigation with 0.7% Triton X-100. The initial declines in TH activity, protein and mRNA of dopaminergic juxtaglomerular neurons observed after Triton X-100 treatment are all reversible as the steady-state level of TH mRNA gradually returns to control levels. Steady-state levels of mRNA for olfactory marker protein (OMP), a protein found in high concentrations in olfactory receptor neurons and their processes which innervate the olfactory bulb, were also monitored following deafferentation. Following treatment with either ZnSO4 or Triton X-100, the pattern of changes in steady-state levels of OMP mRNA was similar to that observed for TH. The steady-state level of PEP19 mRNA, a peptide previously localized to granule cells in the olfactory bulb, was not altered by deafferentation. These data indicate selective and parallel regulation of TH and OMP message and protein levels following deafferentation.

Acute effects of lithium on catecholamines, serotonin, and their major metabolites in discrete brain regions

The acute effects of lithium on the central catecholamine and serotonin systems were investigated in well-defined cortical areas in the rat: the anterior cingulate cortex (CIN), the piriform-entorhinal region (PiEn), and the primary visual area (VIS) as well as in the hippocampus (HIP), the neostriatum (CPU; caudateputamen), and the olfactory bulbs (OBs). In these microdissected regions, the catecholamines noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA), the indoleamine 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin), as well as some of their major metabolites (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol; 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid; homovanillic acid; 3-methoxytyramine; 5-hydroxy-1-tryptophan; and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid) were assayed by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. One hour after the administration of lithium chloride (2 and 10 mEq/kg; i.p.) the endogenous NA levels increased in the CIN and PiEn cortices, in the HIP, and in the CPU. The DA contents remained unchanged in the CPU, HIP, OB, and VIS cortex but were increased in the CIN and PiEn regions. These increases in cortical DA levels were accompanied by reductions in HVA and DOPAC. The levels of HVA and DOPAC but not 3-MT were also reduced in the CPU, in spite of a normal DA content. The discrepancies between changes of DA and the levels of its metabolites indicate changes in the turnover rates as well as an action of lithium on DA synthesis and/or storage in the nigrostriatal and mesocortical systems. The 5-HT contents were also increased by lithium throughout all regions, except for the OB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Distributions of tyrosine hydroxylase-, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-, and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase-immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Antibodies to the catecholamine synthetic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) were used in an immunohistochemical analysis of the brain of the golden hamster. The distributions and morphological characteristics of neurons displaying immunoreactivity to these enzymes were examined in sets of adjacent sections. Various novel groups of TH-immunoreactive neurons were found. A distinct feature observed in the hamster brain was the presence of a population of magnocellular multipolar neurons in the basal forebrain which displayed intense TH immunoreactivity. These cells were found predominantly in the vertical and horizontal limbs of the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca and in the lateral preoptic area. Many small TH-positive cells were also found scattered in the deeper layers of the cortex in the hamster. The pericentral divisions of the inferior colliculus contained a large number of TH-immunoreactive neurons, and a few small bipolar cells in the lateral superior olive were also stained. A major cell group was found in the lateral parabrachial nucleus at the level of the locus ceruleus that displayed TH but not DBH immunoreactivity and was obviously separate from the TH- and DBH-positive cells of the locus ceruleus. Additional TH-positive cell groups were found along the seventh nerve, within the medial longitudinal fasiculus, in the nucleus raphe pallidus, and in the pars caudalis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. The various catecholamine cell groups described by many people in the rat by use of histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques were also present in the hamster brain. These included the noradrenergic, TH- and DBH-immunoreactive cell groups of the pons and medulla. The hamster also displayed groups of medullary neurons displaying immunoreactivity to TH, DBH, and PNMT. These appeared similar in distribution and morphology to the adrenaline cell groups described in the rat. TH-immunoreactive cell groups in the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental area of the hamster appeared to correspond to the dopaminergic cells groups described in the rat and other species. In addition, as in the rat and cat, numerous TH-positive cells were found in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, and the area postrema. These observations suggest that catechols may be present in neurons in the cortex, basal forebrain, auditory brainstem, and the parabrachial nucleus of the hamster. These studies also emphasize the need for caution in making generalizations regarding transmitter distributions across species.

Distribution of dopamine D1 receptors in rat cortical areas, neostriatum, olfactory bulb and hippocampus in relation to endogenous dopamine contents

The tritiated dopamine D1 antagonist SCH23390 was employed to determine the densities of D1 receptors in seven discrete and functionally identified cortical areas (cingulate, frontal, parietal, primary somatosensory, primary visual, retrosplenial and entorhinal-piriform) as well as in the neostriatum, hippocampus and olfactory bulbs. In addition, the tissue levels of the catecholamines NA, AD, DA, the indoleamine 5-HT and their main metabolites (MHPG, DOPAC, HVA, 3-MT, 5-HTP and 5-HIAA) were measured in the different regions by HPLC with electrochemical detection. The Scatchard analysis of saturation curves revealed the highest density of [3H]SCH23390 binding sites for the neostriatum, while the densities were 10-20 times lower for total cerebral cortex and hippocampus respectively. For the olfactory bulb and other cortical areas, D1 receptor densities were determined by equilibrium binding at a fixed radioligand concentration approaching saturation. The distribution of D1 receptors was heterogeneous with the greatest densities in entorhinal-piriform and cingulate cortices. The endogenous DA levels measured for all regions correlated with their metabolite (DOPAC, HVA and 3-MT) contents (r = 0.999; P less than 0.001). There was also a very good correlation (r = 0.981; P less than 0.001) between tissue DA and D1 receptor densities. This quantitative information reflects particular features of the organization of the DA systems and is discussed in relation to turnover and recently established aspects of the DA innervation.

A fraction enriched in dendrodendritic synaptosomes isolated from rat olfactory bulb: morphology and transmitter release

A fraction enriched in dendro-dendritic synaptosomes was isolated from rat olfactory bulb by a rapid method. Synaptosomes preserved their ultrastructure and showed configurational changes in relation to incubation in physiological ion medium as described earlier in the case of cortical synaptosomes. Dendro-dendritic synaptosomes were larger and contained more mitochondria than cortical synaptosomes. Doublets of terminals synapsing with each other were frequently seen and each terminal contained synaptic vesicles. Oxygen consumption of dendro-dendritic synaptosomes was decreased by ouabain and increased by 2,4-dinitrophenol. High-potassium medium evoked a considerable release of GABA and dopamine but not of noradrenaline or serotonin in accordance with histochemical published data.

Distribution of cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity in the rat main olfactory bulb

The anatomical localization of cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity (CCK-I) within the rat main olfactory bulb was analyzed by using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical technique. Neurons or neuronal processes containing CCK-I were localized within all laminae of the olfactory bulb except the olfactory nerve fiber layer. A large population of CCK-I neurons, with morphology, size, and distribution corresponding to that of the middle and external tufted cells, was observed within a zone extending from the deep periglomerular region through the superficial one-half to one-third of the external plexiform layer. A smaller number of immunoreactive perikarya were found in the deep external plexiform layer, the glomerular layer, and rarely within the inner plexiform layer. These CCK-I neurons appeared to correspond to internal tufted cells, periglomerular cells, and deep short-axon cells, respectively. Dense CCK-I staining of fibers and terminals was present within the internal plexiform layer and, less densely, within the neuropil of the granule cell layer. In addition, terminal-like CCK-I was localized within layer 1A of the anterior olfactory nucleus, the olfactory tubercle, and the most rostral piriform cortex. This observation provides corroboration for the identification of the principal CCK-I neuron in the rat olfactory bulb as the centrally projecting middle tufted cell. The present results, demonstrating the localization of CCK-I to both local circuit and projection neurons of the olfactory bulb and to terminal-like puncta in the internal plexiform and granule cell layers, suggest that CCK may be significantly involved in olfactory processing at several levels.

Substance P and catecholaminergic expression in neurons of the hamster main olfactory bulb

A coordinated series of immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses have been conducted in the hamster to examine the dependence of substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression by second-order olfactory neurons, and the level of dopamine in the main olfactory bulb (MOB), on the integrity of carnosine- and olfactory marker protein (OMP)-containing primary afferent neurons. Substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) is localized in external tufted cells and centrifugal afferents of the MOB; TH immunoreactivity has a wider distribution, in external tufted, middle tufted, periglomerular, and deep short-axon cells as well as in centrifugal afferents. To characterize the SPLI, this material was isolated by guanidine-HCl extraction and passage over a C18 SEP-PAK. The SPLI coelutes on HPLC with authentic substance P and, following oxidation, coelutes with substance P sulfoxide. It is sensitive to alpha-chymotrypsin and is resistant to trypsin. Thus, the SPLI in the MOB behaves as authentic substance P. Intranasal irrigation with 0.17 M ZnSO4 results in peripheral deafferentiation of the MOB for up to 8 months as evidenced by a persistent loss of OMP immunoreactivity and shrinkage of the olfactory nerve layer and glomeruli. By these criteria, the vomeronasal inputs to the accessory olfactory bulb are not destroyed and the spared vomeronasal receptor neurons do not innervate the vacated peripheral projection field in the MOB. The loss of peripheral inputs to the MOB is accompanied by marked and parallel reductions in the incidences of SPLI- and TH-positive second-order neurons despite an increase in the density of neuronal somata in the glomerular layer. Biochemical quantifications following peripheral deafferentation also demonstrate significant decreases of both substance P and dopamine, together with the expected decrease of carnosine. In contrast, the SPLI and the TH and serotoninlike immunoreactivities in centrifugal afferents as well as the TH immunoreactivity in deep interneurons do not appear to be reduced, and the MOB content of norepinephrine in centrifugal afferents is unaffected. These results collectively indicate that the loss of inputs from the primary olfactory receptor neurons can reduce the levels of at least two different, putatively neuroactive compounds (substance P and dopamine) in at least three classes of second-order neurons (external tufted, middle tufted, and periglomerular cells). The control of central neuron phenotype by the peripheral olfactory neurons thus appears to be a phenomenon of broad influence. It may play a role in processing chemosensory information as well as offering a system in which to study neuronal plasticit

Autoradiographic analysis of [3H]dopamine and [3H]dopa uptake in the turtle olfactory bulb

Uptake and retention of exogenous tritiated dopamine and L-dopa was observed within turtle olfactory bulb slices. In the more superficial layers, periglomerular and superficial tufted cells, as well as their processes, and intraglomerular dendrites were recognized as labeled. Within the deeper part of the bulb, some labeled cells between the tanycytes, as well as nerve fibers and terminals within the granule cell layer, are reported. The results confirm the presence of specific intrinsic dopaminergic cells within the reptilian olfactory bulb.

Two-color immunohistochemistry for dopamine and GABA neurons in rat substantia nigra and zona incerta

Dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons were visualized in the same section of rat substantia nigra (SN) and zona incerta (ZI) by a two-color double immunoperoxidase procedure or by double immunofluorescence. Rabbit antiserum to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and sheep antiserum to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), markers for catecholaminergic and GABAergic neurons, respectively, were used as primary antisera. These techniques rely on species difference of primary antisera and non-crossreactivity of linking antisera. In normal and colchicine pretreated rats, SN pars compacta (SNC), SN pars lateralis (SNL), and ZI pars medialis (area A13) contained high densities of TH-positive neurons. Relatively few TH-positive cells were scattered in SN pars reticulata (SNR) and ZI pars lateralis (ZIL). In normal rats, GAD-positive boutons were more numerous throughout SNR and ZIL than in SNC, SNL, and area A13. In colchicine pretreated rats, the majority of neurons in SNR and ZIL and few neurons in SNC, SNL, and area A13 were GAD-positive and TH-negative. This study suggests a dichotomy of both SN and ZI into a predominantly dopaminergic and a predominantly GABAergic part.

Dopaminergic periglomerular cells in the turtle olfactory bulb

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique using antisera to three catecholamine synthesizing enzymes, labeled periglomerular cells as well as their intraglomerular processes were observed in the turtle olfactory bulb. These cells could also be recognized in the EPL and the glomerular layer. Unlabeled periglomerular cells were also seen. Thick labeled processes (presumably dendrites) entered the glomerular neuropil, and there formed a dense network, with numerous terminal varicosities. These results support the existence of a unique, homologous dopaminergic subdivision of the periglomerular interneurons throughout classes of vertebrates. In addition, a second type of weakly tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons was observed in the outer part of the granule layer. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase positive fibers were seen in the granule, mitral and external plexiform layers.

Carnosine release from olfactory bulb synaptosomes is calcium-dependent and depolarization-stimulated

The dipeptide carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) has been proposed as a neurotransmitter in the mammalian olfactory pathway. Therefore, the efflux of in vivo-synthesized [14C]carnosine from mouse olfactory bulb synaptosomes was investigated. Carnosine was found to be released from the olfactory bulb synaptosomes by two mechanisms. The first is a slow spontaneous process that is independent of depolarization. The rate of this release was doubled in the presence of 1 mM external carnosine. Release by the second mechanism was markedly stimulated in the presence of calcium by depolarization with either 60 mM K+ or 300 microM veratridine. Omission of calcium abolished the stimulatory effect of both of these agents. Further, blockage of the veratridine-induced depolarization by tetrodotoxin also inhibited carnosine release. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that carnosine acts as a neurotransmitter in the mouse olfactory pathway.

Immunohistochemical identification of two types of dopamine neuron in the rat olfactory bulb as seen by serial sectioning

Several neurons around the glomeruli in the rat olfactory bulb contain the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase as revealed by light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry. Electron microscopic analysis of serial sections reveal that both superficial tufted cells and small periglomerular neurons were labelled. These results give further support for the view that dopamine neurons in the rat olfactory bulb, from a neuroanatomical point of view, do not represent a homogeneous cell population. Furthermore, taken together with previous results in the literature our findings indicate that, from a transmitter histochemical point of view, neither tufted cells nor periglomerular neurons represent a homogeneous cell population.

Neurons in cat lateral geniculate nucleus that concentrate exogenous [3H]-gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

About one-quarter of the neurons in the A-laminae of the cat lateral geniculate selectively accumulate exogenous [3H]-gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), its analog, [3H]-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DABA), and the GABA agonist, [3H] muscimol. These neurons are small (12-18 micrometers diameter) and lack a laminar body, which suggests that they correspond to the class III cell identified in Golgi material. GABA and DABA are also accumulated by F-terminals which are post-synaptic to retinal terminals and presynaptic to relay cell dendrites. It is suggested that GABA may be the transmitter for these small neurons which appear to mediate by means of local circuits a feed-forward inhibition onto the relay cells.

Terminal degeneration demonstrated by the Fink-Heimer method following lateral ventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine

Degenerating terminals were mapped by the Fink-Heimer method after lateral or fourth ventricular administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (60OHDA). This method marks dopaminergic terminals and has the advantage that noradrenergic terminals are not stained. Fink-Heimer stained degeneratig terminals were seen bilaterally in specific patterns in many nuclei known to have a dopaminergic innervation: neostriatum, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, the dorsolateral and ventral parts of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, laterla septal nucleus, amygdala, and layers II-III of anterior cingulate cortex. Detailed maps are provided of the dopaminergic innervation in the bed nucleus of the atria terminalis in relatin to the cytoarchitectural subdivisions of this nucleus. A Fink-Heimer stained field was discovered in the lateral parabrachial nucleus, suggesting the presence of a previously unreported dopaminergic innervation of this nucleus. It was also noted that nonspecific degeneration near the injection site was much worse after lateral ventricle than after fourth ventricle injection.

Iontophoretically applied dopamine depolarizes and hyperpolarizes the membrane of cat caudate neurons

Dopamine (DA) was applied iontophoretically on intracellularly recorded cat caudate neurons. Ejected approximately 100 micrometers away from the cell soma, it caused slow depolarizations of the membrane while the ongoing firing rate was reduced. This last effect was not due to sodium inactivation. Cortically evoked EPSP-IPSP sequences were inhibited during the depolarizations. The latency of cortically evoked action potentials was consistently increased during DA-ejections. These effects were blocked by fluphenazine, relatively selective blocker of the DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase. Nevertheless, there are serious doubts as to the specificity of these actions of DA as a number of other substances like naloxone, nicotine, acetylcholine or glutamate-diethylester occasionally had very similar effects on membrane potential, firing rate and cortically evoked EPSP-IPSP sequences. If DA was applied nearer to the soma, approximately 50 micrometers away, 70% of the recorded neurons continued to display the slow depolarizations above described, while 30% of the cells now reacted by a hyperpolarization accompanied also by a reduced firing rate. If DA was applied for prolonged periods on such cells, the initial hyperpolarization was followed by the slow depolarization. The observation that during the slow depolarization there is a decrease in firing rate and amplitude of the cortically evoked IPSP is explained by the assumption that the region of the axon hillock is hyperpolarized by DA, and that the slow depolarization is a phenomenon restricted to the distant recording site and possibly to the dendritic region. None of the 74 responsive neurons displayed an increased firing fate when DA was ejected either continuously, i.e. for more than 5 sec, or in short pulses of 50--500 msec.

Distribution of norepinephrine and dopamine in cerebral cortical areas of the rat

Concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine were determined using enzyme isotope assay in 27 microdissected cerebral cortical areas of the rat. A detailed map is presented for microdissection of rat cerebral cortex. Norepinephrine was found in low but still measurable quantities throughout the cortex. Differences between cortical areas are also low. Relatively highest levels were demonstrated in the pyriform, insular and entorhinal cortices. The distribution of dopamine was found to be uneven with a maximal regional difference of 1:24. Concentration of dopamine was in all areas lower than that of norepinephrine. The highest dopamine concentration (2,4 ng/mg protein) was measured in the rostral pyriform cortex but other mesocortical (cingulate, frontal, insular and entorhinal) dopaminergic areas also contained relatively high amounts. Except for the caudal occipital and caudal entorhinal cortices all regions studied contained measurable quantities of dopamine. Its low concentration relative to norepinephrine (below 15%) suggests that in the cortical areas studied dopamine is present as the precursor of norepinephrine.

Transmitter histochemistry of the rat olfactory bulb. II. Fluorescence histochemical, autoradiographic and electron microscopic localization of monoamines

The rat olfactory bulb was studied with the Falck-Hillarp formaldehyde fluorescence technique, including recent modifications, autoradiography and electron microscopic cytochemistry (permanganate fixation). Some periglomerular cells and few superficial tufted cells take up and accumulate catecholamines and precursors. They probably represent dopamine cells. In the glomeruli, probable 5-hydroxy-tryptamine nerve terminals could be identified. In the granular and external plexiform layers, noradrenaline axon terminals were present. At the ultrastructural level, monoamine boutons were in synaptic contact with dendritic spines of granule cells and in the glomeruli, probable 5-hydroxytryptamine boutons formed synapses with periglomerular cell dendrites. Therefore, monoamine afferents to the bulb may exert their influence via interneurons.

Catecholamine innervation of the basal forebrain. III. Olfactory bulb, anterior olfactory nuclei, olfactory tubercle and piriform cortex

The catecholamine innervation of the olfactory bulb, anterior olfactory nuclei, olfactory tubercle and piriform cortex was studied in the rat using biochemical analysis and fluorescence histochemistry. Biochemical studies demonstrate a moderate norepinephrine (NE) content in all olfactory structures, a high dopamine (DA) content in the olfactory tubercle and a low DA content in the olfactory bulb, anterior olfactory nucleus and piriform cortex. Following locus coeruleus lesions NE content decreases 71% in the olfactory bulb, 82% in the anterior olfactory nucleus, 62% in olfactory tubercle and 77% in piriform cortex...

Transmitter histochemistry of the rat olfactory bulb. I. Immunohistochemical localization of monoamine synthesizing enzymes. Support for intrabulbar, periglomerular dopamine neurons

The rat olfactory bulb was studied at the light and electron microscopic level with the indirect immunofluorescence technique and the unlabelled antibody enzyme method (PAP-technique), respectively. Antibodies to all 4 enzymes in the catecholamine synthesis were used. In the principal bulb the first two enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), but not dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), were present in a proportion of periglomerular cell bodies and dendrites indicating that these neurons synthesize dopamine (DA). This amine may therefore be released as a transmitter substance at some of the intraglomerular dendrodendritic synapses which periglomerular cells form with the mitral cells. There is evidence to suggest that some periglomerular cells use GABA as their transmitter. Thus, a morphologically and physiologically homogenous population of neurons can be subdivided on the basis of transmitter histochemical criteria. There was an impression of more DDC-positive than TH-positive fibers in the glomeruli. Such presumably DDC-positive, but TH-negative processes may represent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve terminals. DBH-positive fibers were seen in the granular, external plexiform, and very rarely, in the glomerular layers, probably representing noradrenaline (NA) nerve terminals ascending from the lower brain stem. Weakly fluorescent DDC-positive fibers may represent nerve terminals of ascending 5-HT neurons. No phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-positive neurons were observed.

Glutamate decarboxylase localization in neurons of the olfactory bulb

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme that synthesizes the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been localized in the rat olfactory bulb by immunocytochemical methods with both light and electron microscopy. The light microscopic results demonstrated GAD-positive puncta concentrated in the external plexiform layer and in the glomeruli of the glomerular layer. In addition, GAD-positive reaction product stained the dentrites and somata of granule and periglomerular cells. The electron microscopic observations confirmed the presence of GAD-positive reaction product within granule and periglomerular somata and dendrites. In electron micrographs of the external plexiform layer, the gemmules which arise from the distal dentrites of granule cells were also observed to be filled with reaction product, and these structures corresponded in size and location to the puncta observed in light microscopic preparations. The gemmules were observed to form reciprocal dendrodentritic synaptic junctions with mitral cell dentrites which lacked reaction product. In the glomeruli, GAD-positive reaction product was observed in the dentritic shafts and gemmules of periglomerular cells which also formed reciprocal dendrodentritic synaptic contacts with mitral/tufted cell dentrites. The localization of GAD in known inhibitory neurons of the olfactory bulb supports the case that these local circuit neurons use GABA as their neurotransmitter. The present study demonstrates that GAD molecules located within certain neuronal somata and dentrites can be visualized with antisera prepared against GAD that was purified from synaptosomal fractions of mouse brains. This finding suggests that the lack of GAD staining within somata and dentrites of GABA-ergic neurons noted in previous studies of the cerebellum and spinal cord was probably due to low GAD concentrations, rather than to antigenic differences among GAD molecules located in different portions of the neuron. A striking differences among GAD molecules located in different portions of the neuron. A striking difference between the granule and periglomerular neurons of the olfactory bulb and the neurons of the cerebellum and spinal cord is that the former have presynaptic dentrites while the latter do not. Since GAD-positive reaction product can be detected in the somata and dentrites of GABA-ergic neurons which have presynaptic dentrites, it is suggested that these neurons may differ from other GABA-ergic neurons with respect to either transport or metabolism of GAD.

Olfactory system damage and brain catecholamines in the rat

Although a number of studies have reported that bulbectomy results in a fall in telencephalic norepinephrine (NE) content, the present study is the first to examine the relationship between the locus and extent of olfactory system damage and the depletion of telencephalic catecholamines after olfactory system surgery. Our findings indicate that the often reported depletion of telencephalic NE after olfactory bulb ablation is not due to removal of the olfactory bulbs per se, but instead is the result of incidentally produced destruction of tissue, caudal to the bulbs, through which noradrenergic fibers ascend on their way to various regions of the telencephalon.

Serotonergic afferents to the dorsal raphe nucleus: evdience from HRP and synaptosomal uptake studies

Afferent connections of the serotonin (5-HT)-containing dorsal raphe nucleus were investigated in the rat utilizing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde cell labeling technique. Small quantities (0.1-0.5 mul) of HRP solutions were infused into the dorsal raphe, and the brains were examined 19-72 h later for retrograde transport of the enzyme. Intrinsic connections within the dorsal raphe nucleus were revealed by this mapping technique, as was an input to the dorsal raphe from another serotonergic cell group, the median raphe nucleus. Little evidence was found for projections from other, more remote, brain sites. A serotonergic innervation of the dorsal raphe was also demonstrated by the presence of high affinity uptake of [3H]5-HT (Km=0.17 muM) into synaptosomal suspensions of the dorsal raphe nucleus. Synaptosomal uptake of [3H]5-HT was blocked by selective destruction of serotonergic axon terminals induced by the intraventricular injection of 200 mug of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine following desipramine HCl pretreatment, but not by destruction of catecholaminergic axon terminals induced by intraventricularly injected 6-hydroxydopamine (2 X 250 mug). The uptake of [3H]-5-HT by synaptosomes of the dorsal raphe was comparable to that of striatal and hypothalamic synaptosomes, and markedly greater than that of synaptosomes from the cerebellum or nearby dorsal central gray or midbrain reticular formation, indicating the presence of a relatively dense serotonergic innervation. These data together indicate that neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus receive a prominent serotonergic input that is derived, at least in part, from other neurons within the dorsal nucleus and from a neighboring raphe nucleus.

Olfactory relationships of the telencephalon and diencephalon in the rabbit. III. The ipsilateral centrifugal fibers to the olfactory bulbar and retrobulbar formations

The axoplasmic retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) from axon terminals to their parent cell bodies and histochemical fluorescence microscopy have been used to study the ipsilateral centrifugal fibers to the olfactory bulbs and anterior olfactory nucleus in the rabbit. Focal injections of peroxidase were placed unilaterally into the main or accessory olfactory bulb or into the anterior olfactory nucleus. In animals with injected HRP confined within the main bulb, perikarya retrogradely labeled with the protein in the ipsilateral forebrain were observed in the anterior prepyriform cortex horizontal limb of the nucleus of the diagonal band, and far lateral preoptic and rostral lateral hypothalamic areas. Brain stem cell groups that contained HRP-positive somata include the locus coeruleus and midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus. Except for the prepyriform cortex, the basal forebrain structures with labeled perikarya correlate well with locations of cell bodies containing acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase. These somata may represent a cholinergic afferent system to the main olfactory bulb. Peroxidase-labeled cell bodies in the locus coeruleus and midbrain raphe are indicative of noradrenergic and serotonergic innervations respectively of the olfactory bulb. In rabbits in which peroxidase was injected or diffused into the accessory olfactory bulb and anterior alfactory nucleus, HRP-positive somata were identified in the prepyriform cortex bilaterally, the horizontal limb of the diagonal band nucleus, lateral hypothalamic region, nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract, corticomedial complex of the amygdala, mitral and tufted cell layers of the ipsilateral main olfactory bulb, locus coeruleus, and the midbrain raphe. Evidence for centrifugal fibers to the accessory olfactory bulb from the corticomedial complex of the amygdala, locus coeruleus, and possibly the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract and midbrain raphe is discussed. A similar distribution of labeled perikarya in the forebrain and brain stem was seen in rats in which peroxidase injected into the main olfactory bulb had spread into the accessory bulb and anterior olfactory nucleus. Histochemical fluorescence microscopy of the main and accessory olfactory bulbs in the rabbit and rat revealed fine caliber, green fluorescent fibers and varicosities predominantly in the granule cell layer and less so among cells in the glomerular layer. In sections through the root of the main olfactory bulb, a similar fluorescence was seen in the deep half of the plexiform layer of the pars externa of the anterior alfactory nucleus. These fluorescent fibers likely represent the noradrenergic innervation of the olfactory bulbar and retrobulbar formations. A fluorescent yellow hue was observed in the glomerular layer of the main bulb and may signify a serotonergic innervation of this lamina...