Biomedical subjects

R Anadón

Publications and source records attributed to R Anadón.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Afferent and efferent connections of the parapineal organ in lampreys: a tract tracing and immunocytochemical study.

The neural connections of the parapineal organ of two species of lampreys were studied with the fluorescent dye 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3'3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) and with immunocytochemistry. The lamprey parapineal organ consists of a vesicle and a ganglion that are connected to the left habenula. Labeling experiments included the application of DiI to the parapineal organ, left and right fasciculus retroflexus, left habenula, and the left pretectal region. Afferent parapineal fibers run in the left fasciculus retroflexus to the interpeduncular nucleus. The parapineal fibers of this fascicle arose from parapineal ganglion cells, whereas DiI application to the left habenula labeled both neurons of this ganglion and bipolar cells in the parapineal vesicle. Efferent neurons were observed in the left habenula, and bilaterally in the subhippocampal nucleus and the dorsal pretectum. Labeling with DiI also revealed a hippocampal projection. Immunocytochemical study of the parapineal vesicle revealed serotonin-immunoreactive cells in both species of lamprey, as well as substance P-immunoreactive (SP-ir) cells in sea lamprey and choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) cells in the river lamprey. The SP-ir cells and ChAT-ir cells formed a rich neuropil in the parapineal ganglion. Calretinin-ir cells were numerous in the ganglion. Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive and gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive efferent fibers were observed in the parapineal organ. Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive fibers originate in the subhippocampal nucleus, whereas gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive fibers might also arise in the pretectal nucleus. A few galanin-ir fibers were observed. These results indicate that the parapineal connections are completely different from those of the pineal organ. The possible homology between parapineal organs of vertebrates is discussed.

Afferent Pathways↗

PubMed1999

Cholinergic and GABAergic neuronal elements in the pineal organ of lampreys, and tract-tracing observations of differential connections of pinealofugal neurons.

The putative cholinergic and GABAergic elements of the pineal organ of lampreys were investigated with immunocytochemistry to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry. For comparison we also carried out immunocytochemistry to serotonin (5-HT) and a tract-tracing investigation of the two types of projecting cells, i. e., ganglion cells and long-axon photoreceptors. Most photoreceptors were ChAT-immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) and AChE-positive, while ganglion cells and the pineal tract were ChAT-negative and AChE-negative or only faintly positive. These results strongly suggest the presence of a cholinergic system of photoreceptors in the lamprey pineal organ. GABA-ir fibers that appear to originate from faintly to moderately stained ganglion cells were observed in the pineal stalk. Immunocytochemistry to 5-HT indicated the presence of two types of 5-HT-ir cells, bipolar cells and ganglion-like cells. The connections of the ganglion cells and long-axon photoreceptors were also studied by application of DiI to the pineal stalk in fixed brains or of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) to one of the main targets of pinealofugal fibers (optic tectum or mesencephalic tegmentum) in isolated brains in vitro. Some long-axon photoreceptors and ganglion cells were labeled from the optic tectum. However, BDA application to the tegmentum exclusively labeled ganglion cells in the pineal organ. These results indicate that the two morphological types of afferent pineal neuron have different projections. No labeled cells were observed in the parapineal organ in BDA experiments, indicating that this organ and the pineal organ are involved in different neural circuits.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Expression of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA in normal and kainate-treated rat forebrain.

Thymosin beta4 is a major actin-sequestering peptide widely distributed in mammalian tissues, including the nervous system. In the present study, we analyse the expression of thymosin beta4 in normal and kainate-treated rat forebrain. In untreated animals, thymosin beta4 messenger RNA is mainly expressed in neurons of the hippocampal formation, neocortex and amygdaloid complex, as well as in oligodendrocytes. Other high-expressing areas are the tanycytic ependyma of the infundibulum, the substantia nigra pars compacta, and the supraoptic and premammillary nuclei. In rats treated with kainate, an excitotoxin that induces synaptic activation in the CA1-CA3 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, the levels of thymosin beta4 were clearly increased in the hippocampus and neocortex during the first 2-3 h after injection. In the long term, kainate causes neuronal degeneration in the CA1-CA3 regions of the hippocampus and functionally related structures, provoking a depletion of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA in these areas; however, the levels of this transcript are restored two weeks after kainate injection. Moreover, we have found that, in these degenerating zones, gliosis is accompanied by an elevation of the levels of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA, particularly in the CA1-CA3 region of the hippocampus, the lateral geniculate nucleus and the mammillothalamic tract. The present results demonstrate the existence of relatively high levels of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA in several areas of the rat forebrain, indicating that this peptide plays an important role in the regulation of actin polymerization in these regions of the brain. Moreover, the elevation of this messenger RNA after kainate treatment suggests a function of thymosin beta4 in the production and remodelling of neuronal processes. Finally, our findings provide evidence for a participation of this actin-sequestering molecule in the reactivity of certain types of glial cell that follows kainate lesions.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Distribution of GABA immunoreactivity in the central and peripheral nervous system of amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum Pallas).

On the basis of labeling with an anti-gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antibody, we report for the first time the presence and distribution of GABA-immunoreactive cells in the central and peripheral nervous system of amphioxus. In the nerve cord, there is a large dorsorostral group of cerebrospinal-fluid-contacting (CSFc) cells at the caudal end of the brain vesicle that gives rise to a large ventral commissure and neuropilar region. In the middle and caudal region of the brain, numerous commissural and CSFc neurons are situated below the region of large dorsal cells. In the spinal cord, several types of GABA-immunoreactive neurons of different size, appearance, and distribution were observed. In the dorsalmost region, very small commissural cells are scattered regularly along the cord. More ventrally in the cord, GABAergic neurons, both of commissural and CSFc cell types, form segmental groups, but scattered cells are observed throughout. These cells give rise to dense longitudinal fascicles of GABAergic fibers and to scattered commissural fibers. The caudal ampulla lacks GABAergic cells and fibers. Some of the fibers of the most rostral and caudal peripheral (sensory) nerves, as well as some sensory cells of the rostral and caudal epidermis, are GABA immunoreactive. The significance of these results for the understanding of the evolution of GABAergic systems of vertebrates is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Internuclear neurons of the ocular motor system of the larval sea lamprey.

The internuclear neurons of the ocular motor system of lampreys are characterized here for the first time. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), fluorescein-, or Texas red-(TRDA) coupled dextran-amine applied into the oculomotor nucleus of larval lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) retrogradely labeled two populations of contralateral abducens interneurons, one lateral and the other periventricular. Tracer application to the abducens nucleus anterogradely labeled thick contralateral fibers that specifically contact the medial rectus motor subnucleus by means of large boutons. Local application of TRDA to this subnucleus allowed identification of the lateral abducens interneurons as the origin of this projection. Electron microscopy of the medial rectus motor subnucleus showed large boutons bearing round synaptic vesicles that contact on the perikarya, as well as small boutons with pleomorphic vesicles. This lateral rectus (abducens) -- medial rectus (oculomotor) internuclear projection of lampreys appears to be similar to those involved in the coordination of horizontal eye movements in mammals. The periventricular abducens interneurons projected bilaterally to other oculomotor subnuclei. Tracer application to the abducens nucleus labeled a group of small interneurons in the ipsilateral dorsal rectus motor subnucleus. Anterograde labeling indicates that oculomotor interneurons project ipsilaterally to the ventral rectus abducens subnucleus, thus, corresponding to oculomotor interneurons found in mammals and frogs. The interneurons of the dorsal rectus and ventral rectus motor subnuclei are probably involved in the control of conjugate vertical eye movements. The present results strongly suggest that the internuclear coordination of conjugate eye movements appeared in the earliest vertebrates. The homologies of extraocular muscles of lampreys and gnathostomes were reexamined.

Abducens Nerve↗

PubMed1998

Neural connections of the pineal organ in the primitive bony fish Acipenser baeri: a carbocyanine dye tract-tracing study.

The pineal organ of the sturgeon (Acipenser baeri; Chondrostei) consists of an elongated terminal vesicle and a long stalk that runs to the region of the posterior commissure. In order to investigate the neural connections of the pineal organ of the surgeon, a fluorescent indocarbocyanine (DiI) was applied to the pineal stalk of paraformaldehyde-fixed brains. This application strongly labeled the pineal tracts (right and left), which form an extensive bilateral projection to the brain. The fibers of these tracts could be followed to their different targets in the brain, namely the preoptic region, the rostral habenulae, the medial subhabenular and retrohabenular (post- and subcommissural) region, the medial thalamus, the dorsal hypothalamus, the pretectal area, and medial and dorsolateral tegmental mesencephalic regions (interstitial nucleus of Cajal, oculomotor nucleus, mesencephalic reticular area, nucleus profundus mesencephali, and central gray). A few fibers reach the interpeduncular nucleus and the rostral optic tectum. Pinealofugal fibers branched profusely, and some of them crossed the midline ventrally in the optic chiasma, the postoptic commissure, the conspicuous preinfundibular commissure or, occasionally, the mesencephalic tegmentum. In addition to pinealofugal fibers, this type of DiI application labeled a few cells, here interpreted as pinealopetal neurons, in the posthabenular-dorsomedial thalamic region and the central gray of the mesencephalon. The wide distribution of pinealofugal projections in sturgeon is reminiscent of that in the lamprey. Comparison of the present findings with those of other authors in teleosts, amphibians, and reptiles also suggests that there has been a reduction in the number of pineal projections in these lines.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Centrifugal fibers are the only GABAergic structures of the retina of the larval sea lamprey: an immunocytochemical study.

The structures of the retina immunoreactive to GABA are described in larval lamprey. Although GABAergic cells develop early in the retinas of vertebrates, no GABA-immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the retina of lamprey larvae. The only GABA-immunoreactive structures were beaded fibers of the centrifugal system, which produced a dense plexus at the level of the optic fiber/inner plexiform layer in both the central (photoreceptor-bearing) and lateral (no-photoreceptor) parts of the retina. These fibers do not ascend toward the outer plexiform layer. Nerve fibers in the optic nerve and neuronal perikarya of the M5 nucleus of the mesencephalon, which is known to project to the retina, were also GABA-immunoreactive. The distribution of centrifugal fibers closely matches that of ganglion cells revealed by retrograde labelling with fluorescein-coupled dextran-amine, and the presence of biplexiform ganglion cells in larvae is confirmed. That the ganglion cells and the centrifugal fibers appears to be the only structures differentiated in the lateral retina of the larva suggests that the GABAergic centrifugal fibers may have a role, perhaps the neurotrophic maintenance of retinal ganglion cells, during the very long larval phase of lampreys.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Octavolateral neurons projecting to the middle and posterior rhombencephalic reticular nuclei of larval lamprey: a retrograde horseradish peroxidase labeling study.

The octavolateral area of lampreys, which receives primary fibers from the octaval and lateral line nerves, is involved in the premotor organization of body movements through secondary projections to the reticular formation. Here, the typology of neurons of the three octavolateral nuclei (ventral, medial, and dorsal) that putatively project to the middle and posterior rhombencephalic reticular nuclei were studied by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) applied to these reticular nuclei. Several types of neurons were labeled in the ventral nucleus, both ipsilateral and contralateral to the site of HRP application. Some of these neurons showed a rather simple morphology (octavomotor neurons, monopolar cells), but most had more- or less-branched dendrites that were associated with one, or several, fields of terminal fibers in the octavolateral area. Unlike those of the ventral nucleus, labeled neurons of the medial nucleus were homogeneous in appearance (mostly pear-shaped). The dorsal nucleus was scarcely developed in larvae, as judged from the very simple and small labeled cells. The presence of terminal or "en-passant" boutons of secondary octavolateral fibers in the reticular area and the commissural nature of these fibers were also investigated by means of application of HRP or indocarbocyanine dye to the octavolateral nuclei. In addition, neurons of other alar plate nuclei that were labeled by the HRP application to the reticular nuclei (trigeminal descending root nucleus and solitary nucleus) were also characterized. The functional significance of these results is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Expression of a low-molecular-weight (10 kDa) calcium binding protein in glial cells of the brain of the trout (Teleostei).

Calcium-binding proteins of the EF-hand family are widely distributed in the vertebrate central nervous system. In the present study of the trout brain, immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against chick gut calbindin-28k and a polyclonal antibody against bovine S100 protein specifically stained ependymocytes and radial glia cells with identical patterns. Western blot analysis of trout brain extracts with the antibodies to S100 and calbindin stained the same low-molecular-weight (10 kDa) protein band. In rat brain extracts, however, the monoclonal antibody to calbindin recognized a major protein band with molecular weight corresponding to that of calbindin-28k. This indicates that the trout protein is a new calcium-binding-like (calbindin-like) molecule that is immunologically related to both S100 and calbindin. Immunocytochemical studies of the trout brain using the antibodies to CaB and S100 showed that ependymocytes were stained in most ventricular regions, except in a few specialized ependymal areas of the ventral telencephalon, epithalamus, hypothalamus (including the paraventricular organ and saccus vasculosus) and brain stem. Immunocytochemistry also indicated the presence of calbindin-like protein in radial glia cells of several regions of the brain (thalamus, pretectal region, optic tectum, and rhombencephalon). Differences in immunoreactivity between neighbouring ependymal areas suggest that this protein may be a useful marker of different territories. All immunoreactive glial cells were nicotin-adenin-dinucleotide-phosphate diaphorase-positive, although this enzymohistochemical reaction is not specific for these glial cells since it reveals oligodendrocytes and some neurons. Immunoreactivity appears at different developmental stages in the different brain regions, with a broadly caudorostral gradient, suggesting that the expression of this protein is developmentally regulated. Comparison of the distribution of the calbindin-like protein with that of glial acidic fibrillary protein indicates that calbindin-like immunocytochemistry is a specific technique for revealing radial glia and ependymocytes in the trout.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1997

The neuronal system of the saccus vasculosus of trout (Salmo trutta fario and Oncorhynchus mykiss): an immunocytochemical and nerve tracing study.

The neuronal system of the saccus vasculosus of two species of trout was studied with immunocytochemical methods and carboindocyanine-dye (DiI) tract-tracing. The cerebrospinal-fluid-contacting neurons of the saccus were immunoreactive for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Immunostaining of alternate sections of the saccus vasculosus of fry with anti-GAD and anti-NPY indicated that these substances were colocalized. The tractus sacci vasculosi and the neuropil of the nucleus sacci vasculosi were also immunoreactive to these substances. The GABA, GAD, and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity of the saccus vasculosus system appeared early in trout ontogeny. After applying DiI to various levels of the tractus sacci vasculosi of adult trout, we observed massive bilateral saccular projections to the nucleus sacci vasculosi and could follow the course of the sacco-thalamic tract. This tract extended in the subependymal region of the thalamus rostral to the nucleus sacci vasculosi and split into two small tracts that reached the subhabenular-preoptic region. Sacco-thalamic fibers formed extensive periependymal plexuses along their trajectory. Interestingly, no clear evidence of the existence of a saccopetal system was obtained. On the basis of these results, we postulate that the saccus vasculosus system modulates the function of centers of the posterior tubercle and periventricular thalamus.

Aging↗

PubMed1997

A tract-tracing study of the central projections of the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminus in the guppy (Lebistes reticulatus, teleostei), with some observations on the descending trigeminal tract.

We studied the central projections of the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (MesV) in the guppy (Lebistes reticulatus), after application of horseradish peroxidase or fluorescein dextran amine into the eye orbit. A small number (1 to 13) of large mesencephalic trigeminal neurons were solid labeled in the ipsilateral rostral mesencephalon. At the level of the trigeminal nerve entrance, the united process of each mesencephalic trigeminal cell bifurcates, giving rise to a peripheral branch that exits in the trigeminal nerve and a descending branch that runs caudally in a medial bundle separated from the descending trigeminal tract. This bundle passes close to the visceromotor nuclei of the medulla oblongata. Descending processes give rise to short collaterals to the descending nucleus of the trigeminus and the ventrolateral reticular area. Most MesV descending fibres terminate in this ventrolateral field at the transition of the medulla to the spinal cord, but one or two fibres could be followed to the C6 level, where they give rise to collaterals to the dorsal funicular nucleus. No collaterals directed to the trigeminal motor nucleus, the cerebellum, or the mesencephalic tegmentum were observed. These projections were also compared with those of the descending trigeminal tract.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Thymosin beta10 mRNA expression during early postimplantation mouse development.

The beta-thymosins are a family of monomeric actin sequestering peptides that regulate actin dynamics within the cells. During embryogenesis the control of actin polymerization is essential in processes such as cell migration, angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Here we report that the levels of thymosin beta10 (Tbeta10) mRNA strongly increase during early postimplantation mouse embryogenesis as well as during in vitro P19 cell differentiation, indicating that this peptide plays an important role in early development. Moreover, analysis of the spatial distribution of Tbeta10 mRNA in 9.5-12.5 days postcoitum mouse embryos showed a remarkable presence of this transcript in mesenchymal structures as well as in the mantle layer of spinal cord. Interestingly, we observed differences in the distribution of the mRNAs encoding Tbeta10 and Tbeta4, another member of the beta-thymosin family, suggesting different roles for these peptides during mouse embryogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

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.

Afferent Pathways↗

PubMed1996

Secondary vestibulo-oculomotor projections in larval sea lamprey: anterior octavomotor nucleus.

The ventral octavolateral area of lampreys contains three nuclei: the anterior, intermediate and posterior octavomotor nuclei, formed of large neurons that are contacted by thick primary vestibular fibres. We used horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or fluorescein-dextran-amine (FDA) labelling to study the projections of the anterior octavomotor nucleus (AON) in the larval sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. The tracers were injected either in the AON, the oculomotor nucleus or the rostralmost spinal cord. HRP injection in the AON labelled thick axons that coursed to the basal mesencephalic tegmentum, where most decussate and project to the oculomotor nucleus and the third Müller cell. Electron microscopy confirmed that AON axons contact with the contralateral third Müller cell and with oculomotor neurons. Some AON axons run in the mesencephalic tegmentum and the ventral diencephalon. An AON axon was observed to run close to the axon of the contralateral third Müller cell, establishing what appeared to be en passant contacts. HRP injection in the AON also revealed commissural fibres projecting to the contralateral octavolateral area. HRP or FDA injections in the oculomotor nucleus labelled both large and small neurons of the AON, mostly contralateral to the injection site, as well as of cells in the intermediate octavomotor nucleus, mainly ipsilateral. HRP injection in the AON or in the rostral spinal cord did not reveal any projections from the AON to the spinal cord. Our results indicate that the pattern of octavo-oculomotor connections in the lamprey is different from that observed in other vertebrates.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Organisation of the cerebellar nucleus of the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula L.: a light microscopic, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural study.

Elasmobranchs possess a well-developed cerebellum with an associated cerebellar nucleus. To determine whether the organization of this nucleus is comparable with that of the deep cerebellar nuclei of mammals, we studied the dogfish cerebellar nucleus with light microscopic methods (Nissl stain, Golgi method, reduced silver stain, NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and immunocytochemistry) and with electron microscopy. We found the dogfish cerebellar nucleus to consist of about 1,050 large neurons, the ratio of Purkinje cells to cerebellar nucleus neurons being about 17:1. Immunocytochemistry showed large glutamatergic neurons in the main portions of the nucleus and small glutamate- and/or alpha-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-immunoreactive cells in the subventricular region of the nucleus. Large glutamatergic neurons corresponded to bipolar or triangular cells revealed by Golgi methods. Application of horseradish peroxidase to the cerebellar cortex produced the labelling of beaded fibres of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar nucleus. Unlike in mammals, GABAergic innervation of the cerebellar nucleus was scare: Purkinje cell axon terminals in the cerebellar nucleus did not appear to be GABA-immunoreactive, most GABAergic fibres being found in the subventricular neuropile. Some fibres immunoreactive to serotonin and somatostatin were also observed in the subventricular neuropile of the cerebellar nucleus. Three neuron types were distinguished with electron microscopy (types A to C). Type A cells were abundant and smooth-surfaced, and appeared to correspond to Golgi-impregnated neurons and large glutamate-immunoreactive cells. Type B neurons were scarce and possessed dendrites covered by sessile or stalked spines. Type C neurons were small cells located mainly in the medialmost region of the nucleus and corresponded to subventricular glutamate- and GABA-immunoreactive cells. Six types of synaptic bouton were observed (types I to VI). The most abundant (type I boutons) made symmetrical contacts and appeared to correspond to Purkinje cell axons. Type I boutons were the only type observed on perikarya and initial axon segments of type A cells. Type IV and type V boutons made complex glomerular-like asymmetrical contacts with spines of type B cells. Type VI boutons appeared to correspond to peptidergic and/or monoaminergic axons. The functional significance of these results is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

High levels of mouse thymosin beta4 mRNA in differentiating P19 embryonic cells and during development of cardiovascular tissues.

The self assembly of actin and the large number of actin-binding proteins are important in the establishment of cell shape and function during embryogenesis. Thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) is a small acidic peptide that participates in the regulation of actin polymerization in mammalian cells. In the present work, we report the presence of the mRNA encoding for Tbeta4 in mouse embryonic stem cells and its induction in P1 9 embryonal cells stimulated to differentiate into ectodermal-like (neurons and glia) or mesodermal-like cells (cardiac and skeletal muscle). The induction of Tbeta4, mRNA in P19 cells was confirmed by in situ hybridization analysis of early mouse postimplantation embryos. Noteworthy, we observed an important hybridization signal in several areas of the embryo specially in blood vessels and in heart tissues, suggesting a role for this peptide in angiogenesis. In conclusion, the results presented here demonstrate the expression of Tbeta4 gene during early embryogenesis which immediately suggests an important role for this peptide in developmental processes requiring actin-based functions such as the formation of cardiovascular system.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Central projections of the parapineal organ of the adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Neural connections of the small parapineal organ of the adult rainbow trout were experimentally investigated by using a lipophilic carbocyanine dye as a tracer. The dye was applied to the parapineal organ, to the pineal organ, or to the left or right habenular ganglion. The parapineal organ mainly projected via a coarse parapineal tract to a conspicuous neuropil in the rostrodorsal part of the left habenular ganglion. A small accessory parapineal tract projecting to the right habenular ganglion was also found in some animals. No pineal afferents were observed in the parapineal, nor was any neuron in the brain seen to project to this organ. These results suggest a functional relationship of the parapineal organ to the limbic system.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

The electric lobes of the electric ray (Torpedo marmorata) are innervated by GABAergic fibres: immunocytochemical evidence for dual innervation of electromotoneurons.

It is currently thought that the electric lobes of electric rays are innervated by a single neuronal system, the oval nucleus system. In the work reported here, the innervation of the electric lobes was studied with silver staining methods, acetylcholinesterase histochemistry and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunocytochemistry. Two types of axon were observed in the lobes: thick GABA-immunonegative fibres, which originated from the oval nucleus, and thin GABAergic fibres of unknown origin, here reported for the first time. Electromotoneurons were strongly acetylcholinesterase-positive. Non-GABAergic and non-cholinergic neurons were observed in the oval nucleus, which is innervated by GABA-immunoreactive fibres. These results suggest that GABA may modulate electric discharge both directly, by GABAergic fibres that project to the lobes, and indirectly, by GABAergic fibres that project to the oval nucleus.

Acetylcholinesterase↗