Choline acetyltransferase and NADPH-diaphorase localization in the goldfish habenulo-interpeduncular system

Neuromeric Distribution of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Diaphorase Activity in the Adult Lamprey Brain

This study reports for the first time the distribution and morphological characterization of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d; a reliable marker of nitric oxide synthase activity) positive elements in the central nervous system of the adult river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) on the framework of the neuromeric model and compares their cytoarchitectonic organization with that of gnathostomes. Both NADPH-d exhibiting cells and fibers were observed in all major divisions of the lamprey brain as well as in the spinal cord. In the secondary prosencephalon, NADPH-d positive cells were observed in the mitral cell layer of the olfactory bulb, evaginated pallium, amygdala, dorsal striatum, septum, lateral preoptic nucleus, caudal paraventricular area, posterior entopeduncular nucleus, nucleus of the stria medullaris, hypothalamic periventricular organ and mamillary region sensu lato. In the lamprey diencephalon, NADPH-d labeled cells were observed in several nuclei of the prethalamus, epithalamus, pretectum, and the basal plate. Especially remarkable was the staining observed in the right habenula and several pretectal nuclei. NADPH-d positive cells were also observed in the following mesencephalic areas: optic tectum (two populations), torus semicircularis, nucleus M5 of Schöber, and a ventral tegmental periventricular nucleus. Five different cell populations were observed in the isthmic region, whereas the large sensory dorsal cells, some cells located in the interpeduncular nucleus, the motor nuclei of most cranial nerves, the solitary tract nucleus, some cells of the reticular nuclei, and small cerebrospinal fluid-contacting (CSF-c) cells were the most evident stained cells of the rhombencephalon proper. Finally, several NADPH-d positive cells were observed in the rostral part of the spinal cord, including the large sensory dorsal cells, numerous CSF-c cells, and some dorsal and lateral interneurons. NADPH-d positive fibers were observed in the olfactory pathways (primary olfactory fibers and stria medullaris), the fasciculus retroflexus, and the dorsal column tract. Our results on the distribution of NADPH-d positive elements in the brain of the adult lamprey L. fluviatilis are significantly different from those previously reported in larval lampreys and demonstrated that these animals possess a complex nitrergic system readily comparable to those of other vertebrates, although important specific differences also exist.

Localization of glutamatergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic neurons in the brain of the African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni

Neural communication depends on release and reception of different neurotransmitters within complex circuits that ultimately mediate basic biological functions. We mapped the distribution of glutamatergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic neurons in the brain of the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni using in situ hybridization to label vesicular glutamate transporters (vglut1, vglut2.1, vglut3), glutamate decarboxylases (gad1, gad2), and choline acetyltransferase (chat). Cells expressing the glutamatergic markers vgluts 1-3 show primarily nonoverlapping distribution patterns, with the most widespread expression observed for vglut2.1, and more restricted expression of vglut1 and vglut3. vglut1 is prominent in granular layers of the cerebellum, habenula, preglomerular nuclei, and several other diencephalic, mesencephalic, and rhombencephalic regions. vglut2.1 is widely expressed in many nuclei from the olfactory bulbs to the hindbrain, while vglut3 is restricted to the hypothalamus and hindbrain. GABAergic cells show largely overlapping gad1 and gad2 expression in most brain regions. GABAergic expression dominates nuclei of the subpallial ventral telencephalon, while glutamatergic expression dominates nuclei of the pallial dorsal telencephalon. chat-expressing cells are prominent in motor cranial nerve nuclei, and some scattered cells lie in the preoptic area and ventral part of the ventral telencephalon. A localization summary of these markers within regions of the conserved social decision-making network reveals a predominance of either GABAergic or glutamatergic cells within individual nuclei. The neurotransmitter distributions described here in the brain of a single fish species provide an important resource for identification of brain nuclei in other fishes, as well as future comparative studies on circuit organization and function. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:610-638, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The interplay between the pineal complex and the habenular nuclei in lower vertebrates in the context of the evolution of cerebral asymmetry

This paper presents an overview on the epithalamus of vertebrates, with particular reference to the pineal and to the asymmetrical organization of the habenular nuclei in lower vertebrates. The relationship between the pineal and the habenulae in the course of phylogenesis is here emphasized, taking data in the frog as example. Altogether the data support the hypothesis, put forward also in earlier studies, of a correlation of habenular asymmetry in lower vertebrates with phylogenetic modification of the pineal complex. The present re-visitation was also stimulated by recent data on the asymmetrical expression of Nodal genes, which involves the pineal and habenular structures in zebrafish. The comparative analysis of data, from cyclostomes to mammals, suggests that transformation of epithalamic structures may play an important role in brain evolution. In addition, in mammals, including rodents, a remarkable complexity has evolved in the organization of the habenulae and their functional interactions with the pineal gland. The evolution of these two epithalamic structures seems to open also new perspectives of knowledge on their implication in the regulation of biological rhythms.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase activity in the brain of a cichlid fish, with remarkable findings in the entopeduncular nucleus: a histochemical study

In the entire brain of the African cichlid fish, Haplochromis burtoni, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity was visualized histochemically in fewer nuclei compared to other teleost fish. Intensively labeled perikarya were found in the ventral hypothalamic area, the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle, the nucleus of the midbrain tegmentum, the nucleus of the lateral longitudinal fascicle, the trigeminal motor nucleus and the octavolateral area. Compared to other NADPH-d labeled nuclei in the brain, we saw an unusual localization of NADPH-d activity in the rostral, dorsal, ventral and caudal part of the entopeduncular nucleus. Additionally, some isolated perikarya of different morphological appearance were found at the levels of the preglomerular nucleus, the diffuse nucleus of the lateral torus and the lateral longitudinal fascicle. A widespread distribution of labeled fibers was identified throughout the brain. The remarkable NADPH-d activity, particularly in the entopeduncular nucleus, differs significantly from the existing data on other teleosts. Taking into account the sensory functions of the entopeduncular nucleus described in other vertebrates, the massive NADPH-d activity in this nucleus may indicate an important role of NADPH-d in the modulation of sensory functions.

Localization of the neuronal form of nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) in the diencephalon and pituitary gland of the catfish, Synodontis multipunctatus: an immunocytochemical study

The distribution of the neuronal form of nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) was investigated in the brain and pituitary gland of the catfish, Synodontis multipunctatus. Immunoreactive neurons were found mainly in the nucleus praeopticus periventricularis, the parvocellular and supraoptic subdivisions of the nucleus praeopticus, the nucleus recessus lateralis and the nucleus recessus posterioris. In addition, some scattered bNOS labeled somata were noted in the dorsal hypothalamic area. A few positive cells in the adenohypophysis and some reactive fibers in the pituitary stalk were also seen. Our results are compatible with the notion that the cells expressing bNOS in the diencephalon and hypophysis are involved in the control of hormone regulation. Moreover, the presence of bNOS positive cells in the rostral pars distalis of the pituitary gland supports a role of nitric oxide in osmoregulation.

Organization of cholinergic systems in the brain of different fish groups: a comparative analysis

Using choline acetyltransferase immunocytochemistry, we compared the cholinergic systems of the brains of four groups of fishes (lampreys, elasmobranchs, chondrosteans, and teleosts). Cholinergic nuclei were classified in four groups according to their distribution in vertebrates. The cranial motor nuclei and the habenulo-interpeduncular system were cholinergic in all vertebrates. The cholinergic nuclei of the isthmus of fishes showed many similarities with those of tetrapods. The magnocellular preoptic neurosecretory cells were cholinergic in most fishes, whereas in neurosecretory nuclei of tetrapods, cholinergic cells were only observed adjacent to the magnocellular cells. In the subpallium, cholinergic cells were observed in all fishes, with the exception of elasmobranchs, which suggests that they might be secondarily lost. In the pallium of fishes, cholinergic neurons were only observed in elasmobranchs. Because pallial cholinergic cells were only observed in lizard and mammals, they could have appeared several times during evolution. The same is suggested for the presence of cholinergic cells in the optic tectum of only a few vertebrate groups, including teleosts. This preliminary analysis enlarges our knowledge of the cholinergic systems of fishes, although more species and groups need to be studied to provide a more complete scenario of their evolution.

A novel monoclonal antibody recognizes a previously unknown subdivision of the habenulo-interpeduncular system in zebrafish

The habenulo-interpeduncular system is an evolutionarily conserved structure found in the brain of almost all vertebrates. We prepared a monoclonal antibody (6G11) which very specifically recognizes only a part of this system. 6G11 is a monoclonal antibody prepared from a neuronal membrane protein in adult zebrafish brain. In western blot analysis of the adult zebrafish brain, the antibody recognized a 95 kDa protein, and the class of the antibody was determined to be IgM. The 6G11 antigen was not detected in zebrafish muscle, intestine, testis or ovary. A group of neurons stained by the 6G11 antibody was located in the caudomedial part of the zebrafish habenula. The 6G11-immunopositive neurons extended their axons into the fasciculus retroflexus (FR). One group of immunopositive neurons projected toward the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), especially to the intermediate and the central subnucleus (type 1 neuron). The other group projected to the ventral midline at the level of the raphe nucleus; these axons passed ipsilaterally beside the IPN and converged in the ventral midline under the raphe nucleus (type 2 neuron). Both type 1 and type 2 fibers are relatively minor components of the FR. Little has previously been known about this topological pattern in any species. The 6G11 monoclonal antibody could be a useful tool for expanding knowledge of the habenulo-interpeduncular system.

Regional distribution of nitric oxide synthase and NADPH-diaphorase activities in the central nervous system of teleosts

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and NADPH-diaphorase activities were investigated in discrete areas of the central nervous system of goldfish and brown trout. Both species showed a similar distribution pattern of nNOS activity with regional differences in all examined areas. Telencephalon and hypothalamus showed the highest nNOS values, while in the goldfish cerebellum and its valvula nNOS was not detectable. In both species, NADPH-diaphorase activity showed a lower regional variability, compared to nNOS. The highest activity was measured in the olfactory bulbs where, conversely, low levels of nNOS activity were present. The non close correspondence between NOS and NADPH-diaphorase activities confirms the discrepancies indicated by morphological data. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of a nNOS isoform of about 150 kDa mol. wt. corresponding to that of mammals. The pattern of nNOS expression in the considered brain regions of the goldfish and trout was comparable to the levels of the nNOS activity.

Distribution of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive structures in the lamprey brain

The distribution of cholinergic neurons and fibers was studied immunohistochemically in the brain of two species of lampreys (Petromyzon marinus and Lampetra fluviatilis), by using an antiserum against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The results obtained in both species were similar, but there appeared some interspecies differences. In the forebrain, cholinergic cells were present in the striatum, preoptic region, paraventricular nucleus, pineal and parapineal organs, habenula, and pretectum. The cranial nerve motoneurons (III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, and X), the first and second spino-occipital nerves (so), and the ventral horn of the spinal cord showed a strong ChAT immunoreactivity. Additional cholinergic neurons were observed: the mesencephalic M5 nucleus of Schober, two different cell populations in the isthmic region, the efferent component of the eighth nerve, putative preganglionic parasympathetic cells, cells in the solitary tract nucleus, and the rhombencephalic reticular formation. Cholinergic fibers were widely distributed in the brain. Comparison with previous studies in other vertebrates suggests that major cholinergic pathways, like tectal innervation from the isthmic region, are also present in lampreys. Of particular interest was the prominent projection to the neurohypophysis from cholinergic neurons in the preoptic region and paraventricular nucleus. Present data were analyzed within the segmental paradigm, as was previously done in other vertebrates. Our results reveal that the organization of many cholinergic systems in the lamprey as, for example, in the striatal, preoptic, and isthmic regions, comprises features of the anamniote brain that remain common to all living amniotes studied so far, thus being conservative to a surprisingly high degree. Therefore, the distribution of ChAT-immunoreactive structures in the lamprey brain is, in general, comparable to that previously described in other vertebrate species.

Distribution of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity in the brain of the adult trout and tract-tracing observations on the connections of the nuclei of the isthmus

The distribution of cholinergic neurons and fibers was studied in the brain and rostral spinal cord of the brown trout and rainbow trout by using an antiserum against the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Cholinergic neurons were observed in the ventral telencephalon, preoptic region, habenula, thalamus, hypothalamus, magnocellular superficial pretectal nucleus, optic tectum, isthmus, cranial nerve motor nuclei, and spinal cord. In addition, new cholinergic groups were detected in the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis, the parvocellular and magnocellular parts of the preoptic nucleus, the anterior tuberal nucleus, and a mesencephalic tegmental nucleus. The presence of ChAT in the magnocellular neurosecretory system of trout suggests that acetylcholine is involved in control of hormone release by neurosecretory terminals. In order to characterize the several cholinergic nuclei observed in the isthmus of trout, their projections were studied by application of 1,1;-dioctadecyl-3,3,3;, 3;-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) to selected structures of the brain. The secondary gustatory nucleus projected mainly to the lateral hypothalamic lobes, whereas the nucleus isthmi projected to the optic tectum and parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus, as previously described in other teleost groups. In addition, other isthmic cholinergic nuclei of trout may be homologs of the mesopontine system of mammals. We conclude that the cholinergic systems of teleosts show many primitive features that have been preserved during evolution, together with characteristics exclusive to the group.

Distribution of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of a chondrostean, the siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri)

All studies to date of cholinergic systems of bony fishes have been done in teleosts. To gain further insight into the evolution of the cholinergic systems of bony fishes, we have studied the brain of a chondrostean fish, the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri, Brandt), by using an antibody against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). This study showed the presence of ChAT-immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) neurons in the preoptic region (parvocellular and magnocellular preoptic nuclei and suprachiasmatic nucleus), the periventricular and tuberal hypothalamus, the saccus vasculosus, the dorsal thalamus, and the habenula. The mesencephalic tegmentum contained ChAT-ir cells in the torus semicircularis and torus lateralis. The isthmus contained several cholinergic populations: the nucleus isthmi, the lateral nucleus of the valvula, the secondary visceral nucleus, and the dorsal tegmental nucleus. The motor neurons of the cranial nerves and the spinal motor column were strongly immunoreactive. The medial (sensory) trigeminal nucleus also contained a ChAT-ir neuronal population. The distribution of ChAT-ir neurons in the sturgeon brain showed some notable differences with that observed in teleosts, such as the absence of cholinergic cells in the telencephalon and the optic tectum. Several brain regions were richly innervated by ChAT-ir fibers, particularly the telencephalon, optic tectum, thalamus, posterior tubercle, and interpeduncular nucleus. The hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract, the tract of the saccus vasculosus, the fasciculus retroflexus, and an isthmo-mesencephalo-thalamic tract were the most conspicuous cholinergic bundles. Comparative analysis of these results suggests that teleosts have conserved most traits of the cholinergic system of the sturgeon, having acquired new cholinergic populations during evolution.

Distribution of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity in the brain of an elasmobranch, the lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula)

Although the distribution of cholinergic cells is remarkably similar across the vertebrate species, no data are available on more primitive species, such as cartilaginous fishes. To extend the evolutionary analysis of the cholinergic systems, we studied the distribution of cholinergic neurons in the brain and rostral spinal cord of Scyliorhinus canicula by immunocytochemistry using an antibody against the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Western blot analysis of brain extracts of dogfish, sturgeon, trout, and rat showed that this antibody recognized similar bands in the four species. Putative cholinergic neurons were observed in most brain regions, including the telencephalon, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brainstem. In the retrobulbar region and superficial dorsal pallium of the telencephalon, numerous small pallial cells were ChAT-like immunoreactive. In addition, tufted cells of the olfactory bulb and some cells in the lateral pallium showed faint immunoreactivity. In the preoptic-hypothalamic region, ChAT-immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) cells were found in the preoptic nucleus, the vascular organ of the terminal lamina, and a small population in the caudal tuber. In the epithalamus, the pineal photoreceptors were intensely positive. Many cells of the habenula were faintly ChAT-ir, but the neuropil of the interpeduncular nucleus showed intense ChAT immunoreactivity. In the pretectal region, ChAT-ir cells were observed only in the superficial pretectal nucleus. In the brainstem, the somatomotor and branchiomotor nuclei, the octavolateral efferent nucleus, and a cell group just rostral to the Edinger-Westphal (EW) nucleus contained ChAT-ir neurons. In addition, the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus, the nucleus G of the isthmus, some locus coeruleus cells, and some cell populations of the vestibular nuclei and of the electroreceptive nucleus of the octavolateral region exhibited ChAT immunoreactivity. In the reticular areas of the brainstem, the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle, many reticular neurons of the rhombencephalon, and cells of the nucleus of the lateral funiculus were immunoreactive to this antibody. In the cerebellum, Golgi cells of the granule cell layer and some cells of the cerebellar nucleus were also ChAT-ir. In the rostral spinal cord, ChAT immunoreactivity was observed in cells of the motor column, the dorsal horn, the marginal nucleus (a putative stretch-receptor organ), and in interstitial cells of the ventral funiculus. These results demonstrate for the first time that cholinergic neurons are distributed widely in the central nervous system of elasmobranchs and that their cholinergic systems have evolved several characteristics that are unique to this group.

Development of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the central nervous system of the cichlid fish, Tilapia mariae

The distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase activity was studied in the cichlid fish Tilapia mariae during ontogenesis by the histochemical reaction of NADPH-diaphorase that indicates, in aldehyde-fixed tissue, the presence of nitric oxide synthase, which is the enzyme responsible for nitric oxide production. The first appearance of NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons has a striking bilateral symmetry and occurs 20 h after fertilization (stage 8) in the olfactory placodes and in the neural tube where two clusters of positive neurons were seen in the diencephalon and in the rhombomere r4 of the hindbrain. Two days after fertilization (stage 10), the clusters of positive neurons showed labeled axons. The two longitudinal fiber bundles that arose from the diencephalic positive neurons ran caudally in the tract of the postoptic commissure. At stage 12 (3.5 days after fertilization), new populations of NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons appeared in the telencephalon, in some diencephalic nuclei, and in the hypothalamus. Several trigeminal motor neurons showed strong NADPH-diaphorase activity, whereas the optic tectum and cerebellum were completely free of enzymatic activity. In the hindbrain, clusters of positive neurons were seen in the octavolateral region and in the region defined by the exit of the vagus nerve. In the cervical spinal cord, some ventral putative motor neurons were labeled. At stage 14 (5.5 days after fertilization), several periventricular neurons of the optic tectum and some neurons of the cerebellar lamina were labeled. Dorsal neurons, including a few large superficial neurons were also labeled in the cervical spinal cord. NADPH-diaphorase activity was seen in the neuropil area of the telencephalon, the target of olfactory inputs, and in the sensory dorso-lateral area of the spinal cord.

Transient expression of calretinin in the trout habenulo-interpeduncular system during development

Calcium-binding proteins control calcium homeostasis during neural development. The expression of one of these proteins, calretinin (CR), was monitored by immunohistochemistry in the developing habenulo-interpeduncular system of the rainbow trout, a conserved region of the brain along vertebrate phylogeny that undergoes a neurochemical reorganization in late development. No CR-immunoreactivity was observed in the habenulo-interpeduncular system during the embryonic development. CR-immunolabeling appeared in newly hatched fry and during the fry development the number of CR-immunostained elements increased progressively. During the juvenile stages (from 30 days post-hatching onwards) a gradual decrease in the number of CR-immunostained cells occurred, until its complete disappearance in adults. These variations in CR expression may represent the variable calcium-buffering needs during different developmental stages.

Asymmetry in the left and right habenulo-interpeduncular tracts in the frog

In the frog Rana esculenta the left dorsal habenula includes a lateral and a medial component, whereas the right dorsal habenula is only represented by one nucleus. The efferents of the habenular nuclei to the interpeduncular nucleus were herein investigated with the retrograde horseradish peroxidase tracing. Injections of cobaltic-lysine complex in the interpeduncular nucleus were also performed. Intensely labeled fibers of the fasciculus retroflexus on the right and left sides of the brain were found to reach the interpeduncular nucleus from the habenular nuclei running prevalently in two routes--one through the medial, and the other through the lateral region of the diencephalon. On the right side, these fibers originated from the entire dorsal habenula. On the left side, the fibers of the medial route derived from the medial habenular subnucleus, while those of the lateral route derived from the lateral habenular subnucleus. In the dorsal habenulae of both sides, a large number of neurons displayed a Golgi-like labeling, while few such cells were detected in the ventral habenulae. Labeled neurons in the right dorsal habenula resembled those labeled in the lateral subnucleus of the left dorsal habenula, while larger and ramified neurons were detected in the left medial subnucleus. The present findings provide the first description of the pathway originating from the medial and the lateral subnucleus of the left dorsal habenula in the frog and point out that projection neurons of the medial habenular subnucleus are morphologically different from those of the other habenular nuclei. The present data indicate that in the frog the habenular asymmetry could underlie distinct functional correlates of the left and right habenulae.

Comparative aspects on nitric oxide in brain and its role as a cerebral vasodilator

Histological studies have detected nitric oxide (NO) synthase in the central nervous system of all vertebrates examined, from lampreys to mammals. However, there are still very few comparative physiological studies on the function of NO synthase in the brain of non-mammalian vertebrates. So far, we know that acetylcholine can cause an NO-dependent increase in brain blood flow in turtles and some fish species (crucian carp and rainbow trout), whereas some other fishes appear to lack such a mechanism. Hypercapnia can induce NO-dependent cerebral vasodilation in mammals, but such a mechanism appears to be lacking in the ectothermic vertebrates examined. The number of species studied needs to be expanded before we can draw any firm conclusions about the origin of NO-dependent brain blood flow regulation: if it has evolved more than once or if it has been occasionally lost during evolution. We conclude that NO synthase may be present in all vertebrate brains but that its functions can vary, as judged from its role in cerebral blood flow regulation. The diversity of functions that NO has proven to have within the mammalian brain is likely to be paralleled by the same degree of diversity of function between vertebrate groups.

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.

Afferent and efferent connections of the habenula in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): an indocarbocyanine dye (DiI) study

The habenula is a conserved structure in the brain of vertebrates. With the aim of further understanding of the evolution of the habenular system in vertebrates, we studied the afferent and efferent connections of the habenula of the rainbow trout. Experiments included application of the carbocyanine dye 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) into the habenula, telencephalon, pineal organ, posterior tubercle, and interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). The results obtained reveal a consistent pattern of habenular connections. Most afferents originate from three nuclei, one extending from the preoptic region to the rostral thalamus (the entopeduncular nucleus), the second located in the region of the hypothalamus-posterior tubercle and consisting of large bipolar cells (tuberculohabenular nucleus), and the third in the preoptic region (preoptic nucleus). A few large neurons of the locus coeruleus appeared to be labeled in some cases. The trout habenula also receives pineal and parapineal projections. Small labeled glial cells were observed in the thalamus around the fasciculus retroflexus and, sometimes, around the IPN. The most conspicuous efferents coursed in the fasciculus retroflexus to the IPN, the isthmal raphe, and the central gray. The existence of olfactohabenular or habenulotelencephalic projections is discussed.

Nitric oxide synthase in the brain of a urodele amphibian (Pleurodeles waltl) and its relation to catecholaminergic neuronal structures

The neuronal structures with NADPH-diaphorase activity and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactivity have been studied in the brain of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl by means of histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. Both approaches resulted in the selective labeling of the same neurons and fiber tracts in the brain, except for the primary olfactory fibers that did not stain for NOS but were positive for NADPH-diaphorase. NOS-containing neurons were found in the olfactory bulbs, pallial regions, septum, caudal striatum, amygdala and preoptic area. Only a few diencephalic cells were labeled in the posterior tubercle and ventral hypothalamus. In the brainstem, abundant cells were labeled in the tectum, mesencephalic tegmentum and isthmic region. The most conspicuous cell population was found in the isthmic-pretrigeminal region. Particularly well stained cells were distributed throughout the rhombencephalon in areas related to the descending trigeminal tract, solitary tract, raphe nucleus and the mid-caudal reticular formation. In the cervical spinal cord, NOS-containing cells were present in the dorsal, intermediate and ventral grey fields. Cells in the preoptic, postotic and dorsal root ganglia were also labeled. Double labeling techniques revealed an extensive codistribution of neurons with NOS and catecholamines in the urodele brain but actual colocalization in the same cells was never observed. The organization of the central systems in urodeles with NOS appears to share many features not only with other anamniotes but also with amniotes.

Localization of choline acetyltransferase and NADPH diaphorase activities in the submucous ganglia of the guinea-pig colon

A combined immunohistochemical and histochemical demonstration of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) was carried out, respectively, to determine the localization of the neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and nitric oxide (NO) in the submucous neurons of guinea-pig colon. Almost half of the submucous neurons in the guinea-pig colon exhibited ChAT-immunoreactivity. Some of the ChAT-immunoreactive neurons were also stained for NADPH-d, although most of them showed only weak to moderate diaphorase activity. Many of the submucous neurons displayed exclusively either ChAT or NADPH-d activity. A close spatial relationship was observed between the cholinergic and nitrergic submucous neurons. Thus, in light microscopy, some ChAT-immunoreactive fibres were closely associated with the NADPH-d-positive nerve cell bodies. Ultrastructural study extended the fact that many of the ChAT-immunoreactive terminals made synaptic contacts with the soma of the NADPH-d-positive submucous neurons. A remarkable feature was the demonstration of ChAT and NADPH-d in some of the neurons and their presynaptic axon terminals, suggesting the co-localization of acetylcholine and NO as neurotransmitters in the submucous neurons and their presynaptic axon terminals. It is suggested that the submucous neurons with their specific neurochemical codings would subserve different functions.

Histochemical and immunocytochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase in the central nervous system of the goldfish, carassius auratus

The distribution of the neuronal type of nitric oxide synthase in the goldfish brain and spinal cord was investigated via NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and immunocytochemistry using an antiserum raised against the purified mammalian enzyme. Many structures, including magnocellular neurosecretory cells, motoneurons, mesencephalic trigeminal neurons, and radial glial fibers, were stained by the NADPH-diaphorase reaction but were not immunoreactive. This nonspecific NADPH-diaphorase activity was strongly reduced after preincubation of the sections. Therefore, when sections were first reacted for immunofluorescence and, thereafter, stained for NADPH-diaphorase, a corresponding staining pattern was obtained that allowed the reliable localization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase based on both complementary staining methods. In the telencephalon, positive neurons were concentrated in the ventral and posterior parts of the area ventralis. Many intensely stained neurons were present in various diencephalic nuclei, including the nucleus centralis posterior and the ventromedial nucleus of the thalamus, the nucleus tori lateralis, the nucleus recessus lateralis, the nucleus tuberis posterior, and the central nucleus of the inferior lobe. In the midbrain, neurons containing nitric oxide synthase were located in the periventricular zone of the optic tectum, the nucleus vermiformis, and the nucleus reticularis mesencephali. Specific staining in the cerebellum was concentrated in Golgi cells. In the hindbrain, nitroxergic neurons were numerous in all four sensory nuclei of the trigeminus, in the facial lobe, the superior olive, the inferior reticular formation, and the medial general visceral nucleus of the vagus. The dorsal horn of the spinal cord was enriched with positive neurons. A few strongly stained cells were also present in the ventral horn. In conclusion, neurons capable of synthesizing nitric oxide occur throughout the teleost central nervous system. The presence of nitric oxide synthase in projection areas of most afferent nerves suggests a widespread involvement of nitric oxide in sensory information processing. The distribution of nitric oxide synthase-containing neurons in certain areas, e.g., the tectum opticum and the spinal cord, indicates an evolutionarily conserved pattern. Similar to the case in other vertebrates, there appears to be no comprehensive overlap between the distribution of nitric oxide synthase and that of any other chemically characterized neuronal population described thus far. However, strongly positive cell groups in the mesencephalic reticular formation suggest the idea of an evolutionarily conserved mesopontine cholinergic system coexpressing nitric oxide synthase.

Localization of NADPH-diaphorase in the goldfish brain

The distribution of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons was studied by using the enzyme histochemical method. Numerous neurons were labeled in different brain areas of the goldfish and their distribution showed some differences in comparison with other studied teleosts, indicating a species-specific pattern of NADPH-diaphorase distribution as observed in mammals. The localization of NADPH-diaphorase in the thalamic nuclei, in the paraventricular organ, in the inferior hypothalamic lobe, in the periventricular neurons of the optic tectum, in the nucleus isthmi and in the mesencephalic reticular formation was comparable to the one observed in other teleosts. In addition in the goldfish the telencephalic neurons of the pars centralis and lateralis of the area dorsalis, the habenular neurons, the bipolar neurons of the central grey layer of the optic tectum and the motor neurons of the hypertrophied vagal lobe were labeled. The localization of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons, compared to the distribution of cholinergic neurons described in fish, indicated that the production of nitric oxide was prevailing in the brain areas where cholinergic circuits are active.