Ultrastructural identification of substance P immunoreactive neurons in the main olfactory bulb of the hamster

Intrabulbar associational system in the rat olfactory bulb comprises cholecystokinin-containing tufted cells that synapse onto the dendrites of GABAergic granule cells

The intrabulbar associational system (IAS) originates from tufted cells whose axons terminate in the internal plexiform layer (IPL) on the opposite side of the same olfactory bulb. The postsynaptic targets of the IAS are unknown. Subpopulations of tufted cells contain different neuropeptides and transmitters but it is not known if tufted cells forming the IAS are homogeneous with respect to neurotransmitters. Therefore, the goals of the present study were to identify the postsynaptic targets of the IAS and to determine the major transmitter in this intrabulbar circuit. Biocytin anterograde tracing revealed that the axons of superficially situated tufted cells coursed directly to the IPL where they turned abruptly to run ventrally and dorsally to terminate in the IPL on the opposite side of the olfactory bulb. WGAapoHRP-Au retrograde tracing combined with immunohistochemistry for CCK revealed that all tufted cells retrogradely labeled by WGAapoHRP-Au injection in the IPL were immunoreactive for CCK. Anterograde transport of biocytin combined with postembedding immunocytochemical gold-labeling for GABA demonstrated that labeled IAS axons terminate predominantly, if not exclusively, on GABAergic granule cell dendrites in the IPL. These results confirm that the IAS arises from tufted cells and is topographically organized. We further demonstrate that tufted cells forming the IAS use the neuropeptide CCK as a transmitter. In addition, we show that the postsynaptic targets of the CCKergic IAS are the dendrites of GABAergic granule cells coursing through the IPL toward the EPL. As CCK is generally an excitatory neuropeptide, we suggest that the IAS functions to excite topographically discrete populations of granule cells. This action may lead to inhibition of equally discrete populations of mitral/tufted cells. Thus, the IAS may be an intrabulbar inhibitory circuit that coordinates topographically organized neural networks in the olfactory bulb.

Morphological variations among output neurons of the olfactory bulb in the frog (Rana ridibunda)

Morphological properties of putative output cells have been studied in detail in the olfactory bulb of frogs (Rana ridibunda). Intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow was used to reconstruct individual neurons. Ten different anatomical features related to cell shape and position were studied quantitatively. The results show that output cells, generally considered to be a homogeneous group in the olfactory bulb of amphibians, are, in fact, quite different in their morphology. Using multidimensional analysis to examine differences among the output neurons, we found that they might be divided into at least two groups. In one group, the cell somata were located near the glomerular layer and the dendrites lay at large angles with respect to each other. In the other group, the cell somata were farther from the glomerular layer and their dendrites lay at smaller angles. From their morphology, these two cell groups appear to be homologous, respectively, to the superficial/middle tufted cells and deep tufted/mitral cells of mammals.

Evidence for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) synthesis and the presence of ANP-transducing receptors in the rat olfactory bulb

This study demonstrates the presence of both atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) precursor and ANP transcripts in the rat olfactory bulb (OB), a key brain structure involved in the generation of olfaction-dependent behavior. In addition to synthesizing ANP, the OB contains ANP-transducing receptors coupled to the guanylate cyclase system but it is devoid of ANP "clearance receptors." The characterization of biologically active ANP receptors and the evidence for in situ ANP synthesis in this region of the CNS adds credence to the hypothesis that the peptide plays a putative role in olfaction.

Distribution and morphology of substance P-immunoreactive structures in the olfactory bulb and olfactory peduncle of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a primate species

The present study describes the morphology and distribution of substance P-immunoreactive (SP-ir) elements in the olfactory bulb (OB) and olfactory peduncle (OP) of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a primate species. SP-ir neurons are very abundant in the OB and belong to two types. External tufted cells are present in the glomerular layer (GL), whereas granule cells are found in the deeper layers, especially in the granule cell layer (GRL), but also scattered in the OP. SP-ir fibers, putatively of central origin, were identified in the OP. They ascend into the bulbar layers. The SP-chemoarchitecture of the marmoset OB and OP does not differ more from rat, guinea pig and cat, than the SP-chemoarchitecture of these species varies among one another.

Differential effect of functional olfactory bulb deafferentation on tyrosine hydroxylase and glutamic acid decarboxylase messenger RNA levels in rodent juxtaglomerular neurons

Expression of the dopaminergic phenotype in olfactory bulb (OB) juxtaglomerular neurons (constituting a population of periglomerular and external tufted cells) is dependent upon functional innervation by peripheral olfactory receptors. Loss of functional input in rodents, by either peripheral deafferentation or deprivation of odorant access, results in a profound decrease in the expression of juxtaglomerular tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). We have examined the effects of such treatments on the expression of the neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which is colocalized with TH in the majority of TH-containing juxtaglomerular neurons. Following either chemically induced OB deafferentation in adult mice or unilateral odor deprivation in neonatal rats, steady-state OB GAD messenger RNA levels remained essentially unchanged as assessed by Northern blot analysis 20-40 days after treatment. These results were confirmed by in situ hybridization analysis, which demonstrated a profound loss of juxtaglomerular TH messenger RNA but no accompanying decrease in regionally colocalized GAD message. Since GAD is found in nearly all dopaminergic OB cells, the preservation of juxtaglomerular GAD message implies that olfactory receptor neurons exert a differential transneuronal regulation of TH and GAD gene transcription.

Substance P- and opioid-immunoreactive structures in olfactory centers of the cat: adult pattern and postnatal development

Substance P (SP)-ir and opioid-ir structures were studied in the cat main olfactory bulb (MOB), accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), and olfactory peduncle. In the MOB, the opioid-ir and the majority of the SP-ir neurons belong to the granule cell type. SP-ir granule cells reside in the deeper granule cell layer, whereas opioid-ir granule cells reside in the superficial granule cell layer, internal plexiform, and mitral cell layer. Many granule cells are observed in the external plexiform and glomerular layer. Other granule cells were found in the bulbar/peduncular white matter, the taenia tecta, and the genu of the corpus callosum. A new substance P-ir cell type was identified in the glomerular layer. This cell type was also identified by using the technique of intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow. The cell type corresponds neither to the external tufted type nor to the short axon cell types described so far. The AOB resembles the MOB with respect to large numbers of SP-ir and opioid-ir granule cells. In addition, a few opioid-ir neurons, probably superficial mitral cells, were found in the glomerular layer. The AOB is surrounded by islands of immunoreactive granule cells, which connect to the granule cell layer by extremely long processes. Opioid-ir and SP-ir beaded axons pass through the olfactory peduncle terminating on granule cells, and ascend as far as the glomerular layer. All subdivisions of the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) contain immunoreactive terminal fields. Afferent fibers and terminal plexuses derive from a population of immunoreactive neurons located predominantly in the region of the septo-olfactory junction. They have large somata. Their axons form recurrent collaterals, some of which run rostrally in the peduncular white matter. Others ascend caudally towards the septal region. The fibers seem to remain ipsilaterally, since the olfactory limb of the anterior commissure and the commissure proper are devoid of SP-ir and opioid-ir fibers. During development SP and opioid immunoreactivity were found only in differentiated granule cells. The peptides were not detectable in migrating or immature granule cells, as identified in Golgi-impregnated material. The granule cell population largely develops during postnatal life. The number of opioid-ir granule cells increases slowly and continuously, reaching the adult level not before the sixth postnatal month. Strikingly, SP-ir granule cell number increases fast and reaches a transient peak during the second month. Thereafter it declines (40% decrease) to the adult density, which is similar to that of opioid-ir granule cells.

Decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase, but not aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, messenger RNA in rat olfactory bulb following neonatal, unilateral odor deprivation

Unilateral naris cauterization in rats results in occlusion of the affected naris and blockade of odorant access to ipsilateral olfactory receptor cells in the olfactory epithelium. These receptor cells project exclusively to the olfactory bulb (OB) and appear to regulate expression of the dopaminergic phenotype in a population of OB juxtaglomerular neurons. Unilateral odor deprivation results in a loss of normal stimulatory input to the OB and a marked and specific decrease in ipsilateral OB tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression. The expression of co-localized aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) is not similarly affected. We have used this procedure in neonatal rats to examine the effect of stimulus deprivation on OB TH and AADC mRNA levels. Both Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses revealed a pronounced decrease in ipsilateral as compared to contralateral OB TH mRNA levels 40 days after naris closure. In contrast, the levels of OB AADC mRNA were unaltered by naris closure. By in situ hybridization histochemistry, both TH and AADC mRNAs were localized to OB juxtaglomerular neurons. Odor deprivation was associated with an apparent region-specific reduction in TH mRNA within the ipsilateral OB glomerular layer. By densitometric analysis, the loss of TH-specific message was quantitatively consistent with the decrease in TH activity, suggesting that the observed plasticity of OB dopaminergic neurons following functional deafferentation can be attributed to a selective, transneuronally-mediated down regulation of TH gene transcription.

Interspecies differences in the substance P- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivities in the olfactory bulb of Salmo gairdneri and Barbus meridionalis

The distribution of substance P-like (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like (VIP) structures was studied using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique in the mediterranean barbel Barbus meridionalis and in the rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri. SP-like positive fibers were observed in the inner strata of the mediterranean barbel olfactory bulb, mainly the granule cell and the plexiform layers. Ganglion cells and fibers of the terminal nerve were also labeled. No SP-positive structure was found in the olfactory bulb of the rainbow trout. On the contrary, the VIP antiserum used displayed very strong immunostaining in the olfactory nerve fiber layer of Salmo gairdneri, whereas those fibers in Barbus meridionalis showed no immunoreactivity. After a complete transection of the olfactory tract and a survival time of 20 days, SP-immunostained fibers were not observed. Thus, they can presumably be identified as centrifugal fibers, coursing from the telencephalic hemispheres through the olfactory tracts, into the olfactory bulb. The VIP immunoreactivity was confined to the olfactory fibers, both in the olfactory nerve and the olfactory bulb. The positive immunostaining disappeared after chemical lesion of the olfactory mucosa. These observations demonstrate that the olfactory bulb of freshwater teleosts exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity in its immunocytochemical distribution pattern, this pattern also differing from previous reports on higher vertebrates.

Cellular localization of substance P- and neurokinin A-encoding preprotachykinin mRNA in the female rat brain

To determine the locations of neurons in the rat brain expressing substance P and neurokinin A mRNA, we performed in situ hybridization with a radiolabeled cRNA probe that was complementary to alpha-, beta-, and gamma-preprotachykinin mRNA. Several types of controls indicated specificity of the labeling. Brain regions containing many labeled neurons include the anterior olfactory nucleus, layer II of the olfactory tubercle, the islands of Calleja, the nucleus accumbens, the caudate-putamen, portions of the amygdala and hypothalamus, the medial habenular nucleus, nuclei of the pontine tegmentum, several raphe nuclei, several portions of the reticular formation, and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Less frequent labeled neurons were also found in many other regions of the brain. These results extend many previous immunocytochemical studies of the locations of neurons containing immunoreactive substance P, neurokinin A, and neuropeptide K.

Widespread expression of corticotropin-releasing factor messenger RNA and immunoreactivity in the rat olfactory bulb

Immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization histochemical, and Northern blot methods were used to demonstrate and characterize the distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor immunoreactivity (CRF-IR) and mRNA in the rat olfactory system. Northern analysis demonstrated the presence of an mRNA species in the olfactory bulb indistinguishable from, and in greater abundance than, CRF mRNA isolated from whole hypothalamus. Results from hybridization histochemical and immunohistochemical studies converged to indicate that CRF is expressed in a majority of mitral and tufted cells in the main and accessory bulbs, and in subsets of granule and periglomerular cells. Consistent with cellular localizations in primary output neurons, a dense network of fine CRF-immunoreactive varicosities was demonstrated in the external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb and in layer Ia of piriform cortex. Other acknowledged terminal fields of the projection neurons of the main and accessory bulbs also displayed CRF-IR. The results suggest that CRF is the most broadly distributed neuroactive agent yet charted in olfactory bulb somata. This peptide may serve as a modulator or co-transmitter of importance in several cell types in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, including the principal output neurons.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive neurons in the main olfactory bulb of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivity was localized by the indirect antibody enzyme method (PAP technique) in the main olfactory bulb of the hedgehog. Most VIP-immunoreactive cells were located in the glomerular layer and throughout the external plexiform layer. Fewer cells were observed in the granule cell layer. At the morphological level they exhibit the characteristics of periglomerular, external tufted, superficial short axon, horizontal and Van Gehuchten cells. It should be mentioned that another specific neuronal type was found in the inner third of the external plexiform layer, which is not described in other animals. These results revealed that a high number of intrinsic neuronal types of the olfactory bulb of the hedgehog display a strong VIP immunoreactivity.

Serotonergic projections to the spinal cord but not those to the olfactory bulb also contain substance P. A combined immunocytochemical and autoradiographic study following retrograde axonal transport of [3H]serotonin labeled products

Co-localization of substance P with serotonin in raphe projection neurons was studied by combining substance P immunocytochemistry and autoradiography following uptake and retrograde axonal transport of [3H]serotonin and/or its products from target areas. In this study, two central pathways in the rat were investigated: the serotonergic projections of the midbrain raphe to the olfactory bulb and those of the medullary raphe that innervate the thoracic spinal cord. Two hours after pargyline pretreatment, injections of 10(-4) M [3H]serotonin were made either into the olfactory bulb or into the spinal cord and respectively 24 or 60 h thereafter, rats were administered with colchicine. After a 24 h survival time, the paraformaldehyde fixed brains were investigated for substance P immunocytochemistry and then treated for light and electron microscopy autoradiography. Combining both methods, we can define on the same tissue sections at least three labeled neuronal populations: substance P immunolabeled neurons, radiolabeled neurons and doubly immuno-radiolabeled neurons. In the midbrain raphe cells as well as in the olfactory bulb nerve terminals, two kinds of labeled profiles were detected: substance P immunoreactive profiles and radiolabeled ones. The radiolabeled cell bodies of the midbrain raphe (403 counted cells) were never reactive to substance P antibodies. Moreover, they were distributed caudally to substance P stained perikarya. In contrast, in the medullary raphe, of the 336 radiolabeled cell bodies 162 were stained after substance P antibody treatment. They represent about 48% of the serotonin radiolabeled neurons projecting to the thoracic spinal cord, where a great number of varicosities were observed immunolabeled, radiolabeled and doubly immuno-radiolabeled in the dorsal horn. At the ultrastructural level, cell bodies and dendritic processes were also doubly labeled. Both labelings were observed over the cytoplasm and some organelles or perikarya. These observations provide a morphological basis to support the hypothesis that substance P can occur within some but not all serotonergic neurons and raise questions about the expression of this peptide in these systems as well as the modes of interaction of these transmitter molecules.

Cytochrome oxidase staining marks dendritic zones of the rat olfactory bulb external plexiform layer

Cytochrome oxidase staining of the rat olfactory bulb external plexiform layer (EPL) produces a darkly stained intermediate zone bordered by lightly stained superficial and deep zones. Similar zonal staining was seen in cats, rabbits, and hamsters. These zones vary in relative thickness around the circumference of the olfactory bulb; the deep zone is proportionally thicker in the most dorsal and ventral parts of the bulb. Tufted cell somata are unevenly distributed within the EPL; the outer part of the EPL has more somata. The distribution of the cytochrome oxidase reaction product shows that the darkly stained intermediate zone is not produced by staining of tufted cell somata. Zones of cytochrome oxidase staining correspond to the sublaminar distribution of mitral and tufted cell basal dendrites. This was demonstrated by labeling mitral and tufted cells with small extracellular horseradish peroxidase injections and processing alternate sections for horseradish peroxidase and for cytochrome oxidase. Because there was cross-reaction of the cytochrome oxidase procedure with horseradish peroxidase, it was possible to trace many neurons through both series of sections. Middle tufted cells of the superficial EPL have basal dendrites confined to the superficial zone of light cytochrome oxidase staining. Internal tufted cells and middle tufted cells of the intermediate zone send their basal dendrites into the intermediate zone. One group of mitral cells (type I) has basal dendrites confined to the deep zone of lighter cytochrome oxidase staining. A second group of mitral cells (type II) and tufted cells of the intermediate EPL has basal dendrites primarily confined to the intermediate zone of dark cytochrome oxidase staining. The correlation of the enzyme staining with the dendritic laminar patterns supports the existence of three relatively distinct sublaminae in the EPL and supports the designation of two types of mitral cells. The staining pattern also provides an independent method for evaluating the sublaminae of the EPL without the necessity of labeling individual groups of cells. Finally, the staining pattern suggests that the intermediate zone of the EPL may be subjected to more tonic synaptic input, causing it to have an increased level of metabolic activity.

Brain output dysregulation induced by olfactory bulbectomy: an approximation in the rat of major depressive disorder in humans?

Mounting evidence indicates that the emotional, cognitive, neurovegetative and behavioral symptoms of patients with major depressive disorder are due to abnormal neurochemical substrates in the brain. Although the specific neurochemical abnormalities responsible have not been identified, the presenting symptoms of major depression are consistent with a disruption of normal neural communications between the limbic system and hypothalamus. Following removal of the olfactory bulbs, rats display a syndrome of behavioral deficits that also reflect a disruption of the limbic-hypothalamic axis. Moreover, the bulbectomy induced deficits are selectively reduced by the chronic administration of the same drugs that alleviate the symptoms of depression when given chronically to the patients. In addition to this pharmacological similarity, there are also numerous behavioral parallels between bulbectomized rats and major depression patients. The bulbectomized rat provides a good model in which to study antidepressant drugs and also may provide neurochemical and neuroanatomical data that are relevant to understanding the biological substrates of emotion and the causes of depression in humans.

Possible coexistence of amino acid (gamma-aminobutyric acid), amine (dopamine) and peptide (substance P); neurons containing immunoreactivities for glutamic acid decarboxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase and substance P in the hamster main olfactory bulb

The coexistence of immunoreactivities for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and substance P (SP) was revealed in the hamster main olfactory bulb, using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical method. Adjacent 40 micron thick Vibratome sections were incubated in different antisera and those cells which were bisected by the plane of sectioning were identified at the paired surfaces of two consecutive sections. The coexistence of the immunoreactivities for 1) TH and GAD, 2) TH and SP and 3) GAD and SP in the same cells could thus be determined by observing the immunoreactivity of the two halves of the cell incubated in two different antisera. About 70% of TH-like immunoreactive (TH-LI) neurons in the periglomerular region also contained GAD-like immunoreactivity, whereas about 45% of GAD-LI ones were also TH-like immunoreactive. Furthermore, almost all (more than 95%) of SP-LI neurons contained both GAD-like and TH-like immunoreactivities. These observations indicate that in the periglomerular region of the hamster main olfactory bulb, some neurons (about 9% of all neurons containing TH-like and/or GAD-like immunoreactivities) may contain three different categories of neuroactive substances, that is, amino acid (GABA), amine (dopamine) and peptide (SP).

Short axon cells of the rat olfactory bulb display NADPH-diaphorase activity, neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity, and somatostatin-like immunoreactivity

Several types of short axon cells of the mammalian olfactory bulb have been described after Golgi impregnation. Two of these types have been observed in our material after treatment with the NADPH-diaphorase procedure or after immunohistochemistry for neuropeptide-Y (NPY). The cells stained by the two procedures have similar morphologies and distributions. A less extensive series of observations confirms that similar cells also display somatostatin (SS)-like immunoreactivity. One of these cell types corresponds to the superficial short axon cell of Golgi and electron microscopic studies. The dendrites of this cell lie within the periglomerular region and in the superficial external plexiform layer (EPL), generally lying parallel to the glomerular layer. In some cases the axon has been traced across the EPL into the granule cell layer (GCL). This cell may provide another route of interaction between the periglomerular region and the granule cells in addition to the influences conducted by basal dendrites and axon collaterals of some mitral and tufted cells. A type of deep short axon cell is also visible with these two procedures. It lies deep in the granule cell layer, frequently near the ventricular layer and its dendrites lie parallel to that layer. This deep short axon cell is stained with much greater frequency by the NADPH-diaphorase and NPY procedures than is the superficial short axon cell. It corresponds most closely to the Blanes or Golgi cells of the Golgi impregnation literature, but it appears to differ from these cells in the position and orientation of its dendrites. No spines have been observed on either the superficial or deep cells in this series. Many glomeruli are also stained by the NADPH-diaphorase procedure, but are not NPY or SS immunoreactive. This may provide additional evidence for functional differences between glomeruli in local regions of the olfactory bulb.

Postnatal development of neurons containing both catecholaminergic and GABAergic traits in the rat main olfactory bulb

Postnatal development of catecholaminergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in the periglomerular region of the rat main olfactory bulb was studied immunohistochemically using antisera against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA. TH-like immunoreactive neurons almost always contained GABA-like immunoreactivity in the first postnatal week, but about 10% of them did not contain GABA-like immunoreactivity in older animals.

Species differences in the distribution of substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the olfactory bulb

These studies document species differences in the distribution of the peptide substance P and the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) within a central nervous system region of a number of mammalian species including the mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, and two species of hamster (Chinese and Syrian). Substance P-containing neuronal perikarya were observed in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) of both species of the hamster, but not in the MOB of the other species examined. In the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), however, neuronal staining was observed in all species except the mouse. The number of stained somata and their intensity varied such that label was most prominent in the rat followed in decreasing order by the rabbit, guinea pig, cat, and hamster. The mouse displayed no perikaryal staining. Stained somata in AOB were found in the internal granule cell layer with dendritic processes ramifying through the internal plexiform layer to arborize within the mitral cell layer. The distribution of substance P-stained neurons in the MOB also differed between the two hamster strains. In the Syrian hamster, neurons were primarily juxtaglomerular. In the Chinese hamster, labeled perikarya were found in both the juxtaglomerular region and within the superficial aspect of the external plexiform layer (EPL). The mean longest diameter of the majority of substance P-labeled neurons in both species was greater than 10 micron, suggesting that they were tufted cells. Those in the EPL of the Chinese hamster were the largest (17 micron). Species differences also were observed in the distribution of substance P-positive axons and terminals within the MOB. Label was distributed primarily in the internal granule cell layer of the Syrian hamster and the internal plexiform layer of the Chinese hamster. Tyrosine hydroxylase staining was similar among species with the exception of the Syrian hamster. In the latter species, an additional large population of neurons was found within the external plexiform layer. In all other species, TH-stained neurons were found scattered throughout the MOB and occasionally the AOB but were not numerous in the EPL. Although most TH neurons were larger than 10 microns, in all species a population of smaller TH cells was observed primarily in the glomerular layer, suggesting that most neurons labeled with TH are tufted cells but that some may be periglomerular cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Coexistence of immunoreactivities for glutamate decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase in some neurons in the periglomerular region of the rat main olfactory bulb: possible coexistence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine

The coexistence of immunoreactivities for glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was revealed in some neurons in the periglomerular region and in the superficial part of the external plexiform layer of the rat main olfactory bulb. In neurons showing the immunoreactivity for either GAD or TH, about 10-55% showed both immunoreactivities.

Topographic organization of tufted cell axonal projections in the hamster main olfactory bulb: an intrabulbar associational system

The organization of intrinsic axonal projections of principal neurons in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) was studied in hamsters by using wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) and fluorescent dyes. Punctate injections of either WGA-HRP or fast blue (FB) that are restricted to small sectors on one side of the MOB produce comparably restricted fields of retrograde labeling on the opposite side. Label is found predominantly in superficially situated (middle and external) tufted cells that lie near and at the border between the external plexiform and glomerular layers. Few of the deeper middle tufted, internal tufted, or mitral cells and no external tufted cells that lie in the superficial two-thirds of the glomerular layer are labeled in regions remote to the injection site. Anterograde transport of WGA-HRP from the injection site labels axons that travel dorsally and ventrally in restricted bands through the internal plexiform layer and then terminate within this layer in the punctate sector on the opposite side that contains retrogradely labeled neurons. Such reciprocal projections between opposing regions of the medial and lateral sides of the MOB are found at all rostrocaudal and dorsoventral levels. When punctate injections of FB into the MOB are paired with restricted injections of a second fluorescent tracer (nuclear yellow or diamidino yellow dihydrochloride) into the appropriate sector of pars externa (pE) of the anterior olfactory nucleus, the punctate region of remote retrogradely labeled principal neurons is embedded within a topographically restricted longitudinal wedge of retrogradely labeled mitral and tufted cells that project extrinsically to or through pE. However, extremely few of these neurons are double-retrogradely labeled. The results reveal the existence of an intrabulbar associational system in which principal neurons engage in point-to-point, reciprocal projections between opposing regions of the medial and lateral MOB. Moreover, the results indicate that this associational system largely arises from superficially situated tufted cells distinct from those that support bulbofugal projections into the topographically organized interbulbar commissural system via pE.

Substance P neuronal organization in the median region of the interpeduncular nucleus of the cat: an electron microscopic analysis

The localization of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the interpeduncular nucleus using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, revealed that the median region of the interpeduncular nucleus was one area rich in substance P-like immunoreactive processes. The ultrastructural characteristics of these substance P-like immunoreactive processes and their organization within the middle zone of the median region of the interpeduncular nucleus was studied. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was found in the perikaryon of small neurons, and in proximal and small dendrites. The substance P-like immunoreactive cell bodies and proximal dendrites receive a variety of unlabeled synaptic terminals. The immunoreactive small dendrites usually formed the central component of a "rosette"-like formation with unlabeled terminals. A few immunoreactive small unmyelinated axons and boutons were also present in the neuropil. The substance P-like immunoreactive boutons contained mainly small round vesicles with some large dense-core vesicles. These substance P-like immunoreactive boutons were presynaptic to unlabeled dendritic profiles, and frequently to substance P-like immunoreactive dendritic profiles. They were also seen in apposition to unlabeled boutons. Substance P-like immunoreactive boutons were not found to synapse with the crest-like dendritic processes in this part of the interpeduncular nucleus. It is suggested on the basis of morphological features, that some of the unlabeled terminals synapsing on substance P-like immunoreactive dendrities, may be cholinergic in nature.

Topographic organization of connections between the main olfactory bulb and pars externa of the anterior olfactory nucleus in the hamster

The organization of connections between the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and pars externa (pE) of the anterior olfactory nucleus was studied in hamsters by using wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase as both an anterograde and a retrograde neuronal tracer. Bulbar efferents of pE project exclusively to the contralateral MOB. A topographic organization is evident in these efferents, such that distinct sectors of pE project predominantly to certain sectors of the contralateral MOB and lightly to other sectors. The predominant projection to any bulbar sector in the coronal plane is repeated at nearly all rostral-caudal levels, i.e., the pE efferents to the contralateral MOB terminate within long strips or wedges that show a sector-to-sector topographic organization with respect to the medial-lateral and dorsal-ventral axes but not the rostral-caudal axis of the MOB. Afferents to pE arising in the ipsilateral MOB also show a sector-to-sector topographic organization. Injections into restricted sectors along the circumference of pE label all classes of output neurons (mitral cells and internal, middle, and external tufted cells) in restricted sectors of the ipsilateral MOB, and the sectors that have retrograde neuronal labeling are homotopic to those in the contralateral MOB that have dense anterograde terminal labeling. External tufted cells are not labeled and the other classes of MOB output neurons do not have prominent topographic patterns of labeling in cases with injections caudal to pE. The somata of external tufted cell that project to pE are predominantly in the deep part of the glomerular layer; most of the external tufted cells that lie more superficially in the glomerular layer do not appear to have projections extrinsic to the MOB. These results indicate that both the afferent and efferent connections of pE with the MOB are topographically organized and provide a short synaptic pathway between homotopic sectors of the two main olfactory bulbs.

Hypothalamic substance P-containing neurons. Sex-dependent topographical differences and ultrastructural transformations associated with stages of the estrous cycle

Immunoreactive substance P (ir SP)-containing neurons were examined in rat hypothalamus. In untreated males, few if any ir perikarya were found in the arcuate nucleus, but after intraventricular colchicine administration, many appeared not only in the arcuate nucleus but also in the premammillary region, posterior hypothalamic, ventromedial, dorsomedial, subthalamic and paraventricular nuclei, and zona incerta. This was also the case in females treated with colchicine on the second day of diestrus. In untreated females, perikarya were seen only in the arcuate nucleus, varying in number and ultrastructure during the estrous cycle and being maximal in number in proestrus and estrus. The perikarya possessed well-developed Golgi bodies and lamellar bodies composed of many closely apposed cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum in proestrus, and showed stacks of two or three cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum as well as lysosomes in estrus. In diestrus, the perikarya had only a few granulated vesicles and fragmental cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. In the perikarya of colchicine-treated males, many granulated vesicles and lysosomal bodies were noted. These findings suggest that, among the widely distributed SP neurons in the hypothalamus, some in the arcuate nucleus are involved in the hypothalamic-hypophysial-gonadal axis.

Dendritic and axonal organization of mitral and tufted cells in the rat olfactory bulb

The output cells of the main olfactory bulb, the mitral and tufted cells, can be categorized into subclasses on the basis of their intrabulbar dendritic and axonal characteristics. Their form was studied in rats following labeling by iontophoretic injection of horseradish peroxidase into the external plexiform layer (EPL). The fact that these extracellular injections labeled small numbers of neurons permitted reconstruction of individual cells. The injection depth within the EPL determined the type of cells labeled. Secondary dendrites of each cell type lay in one of three partially overlapping zones in the EPL. The deepest zone contained the secondary dendrites of one group of mitral cells (Type I), which had the deepest and longest dendrites of the output cells. An intermediate zone of the EPL contained the secondary dendrites of middle tufted and a second class of mitral cells (Type II). The superficial zone, adjacent to the glomerular layer, contained the relatively short, asymmetric dendritic fields of external tufted cells. The few labeled internal tufted cells had secondary dendrites in either the intermediate or deep zones. Every cell type, except the Type I mitral cells, had axon collaterals in the internal plexiform and upper granule cell layers. No cell types had axons re-entering the EPL. These results for output cells combined with our previous observations on granule cells point to a functional sublaminar organization of the EPL that has not previously been proposed.

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