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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1988

Tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin containing cells in embryonic rat rhombencephalon: a whole-mount immunocytochemical study.

Rhombencephala from rat embryos were processed as whole-mounts for immunocytochemical detection of monoaminergic cell populations, using antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and serotonin (5-HT). Specific advantages of the whole-mount technique over the classical serial-section method were that even isolated immunoreactive (IR) cells could be detected easily, and three-dimensional relationships could be ascertained without the need for serial reconstruction. Embryos between embryonic days (E) 12 and 16 (the day following nocturnal mating being considered as E1) were used in this study. Both TH and 5-HT immunoreactivities were already detectable at E12, even in the smallest embryos (crown-rump length: 6 mm), but there was a striking difference in the number and regional distribution of these two types of IR cells. TH was expressed in several cell groups located in the rostral rhombencephalon (the presumed anlage of the A4-7 complex) as well as in the caudal rhombencephalon (the presumed anlagen of groups A1-2 and C1-3), whereas 5-HT was expressed in very few cells located near the rostral border of the rhombencephalon (presumed anlage of the B4-9 complex). Although the three-dimensional distribution of the TH-IR cell groups underwent some modifications during the period studied, its general pattern remained relatively stable after E12. This contrasted with the sequential appearance of the 5-HT-IR cell groups and their spatial transformations during this period. Using the rhombencephalic isthmus as a landmark, we found that conspicuous 5-HT-IR fibre bundles penetrated into the mesencephalon from E13 onwards, but that the 5-HT IR cell bodies were exclusively located caudal to the borderline between the mesencephalon and the rhombencephalon (the rhombencephalic isthmus). We therefore suggest the term "rostral rhombencephalic raphe nuclei" for the rostral 5-HT cell groups instead of "mesencephalic raphe nuclei," which is a misnomer. Close spatial association between TH and 5-HT-IR elements was observed mainly in the caudal rhombencephalon, where 5-HT-IR fibres coursed through an area containing numerous TH-IR cell bodies (the presumed anlagen of groups A1-2 and C1-3).

Animals↗
PubMed1990

The human rhombencephalon at the end of the embryonic period proper.

The human rhombencephalon at 8 postovulatory weeks (stage 23) is described and illustrated for the first time with the aid of silver-impregnated sections and graphic reconstructions. The motor and sensory trigeminal nuclei were among those studied, and the latter was found to be almost contiguous to the dentate nucleus. Fibers to the principal sensory nucleus join the mesencephalic trigeminal tract, which also seems to be connected with the motor fibers. Fine fibers from the sensory root join the tractus solitarius, which appears to receive connections from the facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagal nerves. Main and accessory abducent nuclei are evident. A part (the Kappenkern des Facialisknies) of the nucleus funiculi teretis is particularly prominent. The presence of the pyramidal decussation during the embryonic period is noted for the first time. The arrangement of nuclei and tracts at 8 weeks is shown to be closely similar to that present in the newborn, and it is likely that the rapid growth of the rhombencephalon during the embryonic period proper is associated with correspondingly early functional activity.

Cell Movement↗
PubMed1992

Glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin immunohistochemistry in the posterior rhombencephalon of the Iberian barb (Barbus comiza).

The gustatory centers (vagal lobes and facial lobe) and the tegment of the posterior rhombencephalon of the Iberian barb (Barbus comiza) have been studied using anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP) and anti-vimentin immunohistochemical techniques. GFAP immunoreactivity was found in the tegment and in a part of the vagal lobes while vimentin immunoreactivity was located in the tegment. Two immunopositive cell types were found: ependymocytes and radial astrocytes. Since the distribution of GFAP in the barb rhombencephalon corresponds with zones previously described as cholinergic, the GFAP-immunopositive radial astrocytes might be involved in acetylcholine metabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Comparative anatomy of the locus coeruleus. II. Organization and projection of the catecholamine containing neurons in the upper rhombencephalon of the frog, Rana catesbiana.

The organization and projection of the catecholamine (CA) containing neurons in the upper rhombencephalon were experimentally investigated with histofluorescence method in the brain of the bullfrog, Rana catesbiana. A small number of catecholamine containing neurons are located in the upper rhombencephalon. These neurons do not send ascending fibers to contribute CA projection to the forebrain, but give rise to relatively short axons to innervate the cerebellum and neighbouring reticular formation. Judging from their anatomical aspects, it seems that the structure homologous to the mammalian locus coeruleus is not present in the amphibian brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Population-specific modulation of 5-HT expression in cultures of embryonic rat rhombencephalon.

This study aimed at analyzing the regulation of in vitro serotonin expression by neurons taken from different regions of the embryonic rat rhombencephalon. We studied the influence of co-culture with alarplate tissue using immunocytochemical and biochemical methods. Computer-assisted densitometry was used to estimate the co-culture effects on the serotonin content of the cell bodies. The more dynamic aspects of serotonin expression, such as synthesis and release, were studied by measuring (3H)serotonin newly synthesized from (3H)tryptophan. The density of the immunostaining was significantly decreased in B1,B2 cells by co-culture with both caudal and rostral alar-plate tissue. For B4-B9 cells, only co-culture with rostral alar-plate tissue produced a significant decrease. The de novo synthesis of serotonin was significantly decreased in B1,B2 neurons co-cultured with caudal alar-plate tissue only. Once again, the B4-B9 cells proved to be less influenced by the experimental conditions, as co-culture with both types of alar-plate tissue produced no significant effect. We concluded that the in vitro expression of serotonin can be modulated by environmental factors, but the relative influence of these factors is very different in rostral versus caudal serotonin expressing cell populations.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrocytes in the rat brain. II. Mesencephalon, rhombencephalon and spinal cord.

The topographical mapping of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactivity was performed in coronal serial sections of the rat mesencephalon, rhombencephalon and spinal cord. Relative to a background of poor or moderate overall staining of the mesencephalon, the interpeduncular nucleus, substantia nigra and the periaqueductal grey matter were prominent by their intense GFAP-immunoreactivity. The pons and particularly the medulla contained more GFAP-labelled elements compared with the mesencephalon. The spinal trigeminal nucleus and Rolando substance were distinguished by their intense staining. Large fibre tracts were usually poor in immunoreactive GFAP. In a concluding discussion, findings relevant to the GFAP-mapping of the whole rat CNS are evaluated with regard to possible reasons underlying the observed differential distribution of GFAP-immunoreactivity.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Fetal rhombencephalon: normal US findings.

Using ultrasound (US), the authors examined 25 embryos that were 8-10 menstrual weeks old for gestational age and the presence of a small cystic structure (3-4 mm) in the posterior aspect of the cranium. This structure was seen in all embryos. The US images of an in vitro embryo at 8 weeks menstrual age were also evaluated for anatomic correlation. Analysis of these US images determined that the cystic structure was the open rhombencephalon or hindbrain. Follow-up US studies or postpartum clinical examinations of the 25 in utero embryos demonstrated no abnormal posterior cranial cystic structures or neurologic deficits. This first-trimester structure should be considered a normal finding, since it develops into the normally proportioned fourth ventricle after the 11th menstrual week.

Female↗
PubMed1979

[Cultivation of whole brain slices: a description of the method and the results of its use for culturing the rhombencephalon and midbrain of chick embryos].

A method and device for obtaining embryo brain slices are described. Results of cultivation of slices of rhombencephalon and mesencephalon are presented obtained in accord with a proposed technique of the "swimming float" (Olenev, 1979). With this cultivation, original topographical relations between brain nuclei and fibrillar tracts remain unchanged that enables us to compare these cultures with histological sections of brain to identify strictly the structures being cultivated. Cultured neurons of nuclei of XII and VIII pairs of cranial nerves have been first described in addition to various divisions of the reticular formation commissura cochlearis dorsalis. Compared to cells examined in the in vivo conditions, neurons of the nucleus cochlearis laminaris, grown in tissue culture conditions, do not make plate-forming structures; dendrites of the neurons of III layer of tectum opticum do not develop. This may be explained by the absence in vitro of any stimulating influence from the acustic ganglion fibres and ganglion cells of the retina on these morphogenetic processes.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

[Spatial organization of the direct connections of the sensory-motor cortex with the rhombencephalon and spinal cord in cats].

The distribution and ultrastructure of terminals of corticofugal fibres in the cat hindbrain and spinal cord were examined by light and electron microscopy in various periods of experimental degeneration elicited by large or small sensorimotor cortex destructions. Using the Fink-Heimer technique, it is shown that the corticofugal projections in the dorsal column nuclei and in the spinal intermediate zone are somatotopically arranged. Even small restricted areas of sensorimotor cortex give two separate descending supraspinal systems. The fibres of the first system are distributed in the dorsolateral and dorsolmedial parts of the spinal intermediate zone, predominantly contralaterally. The fibres of the second system are distributed in the dorsolateral and ventromedial parts of the intermediate zone (bilaterally). Degenerating axo-somatic and axo-dendritic contacts contain spherical vesicles. The majority of degenerating axons in n. cuneatus are 0.5-1,5 mu in diameter. The data obtained are discussed in connection with the electrophysiological data on the mechanisms of the cortical control of the spinal cord neuronal activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Rhombencephalon and vasomotor reflexes to impulses of somatic A-fibers].

Cats decerebrated so that the medulla oblongata remained connected with a greater or lesser part of the pons Varolli were immobilized with flaxedyl or succinylcholine; arterial pressure (AP) responses to impulses (at the frequency of 10 s-1) of different subgroups of the tibial nerve A-afferents were studied. Impulses of the Abeta + Adelta1-afferents and of the most excitable part of Adelta2-afferents lowered AP in all the animals. Addition of all the Adelta2-afferent impulses enhanced this AP fall in 79% of the cats and only 21% of them did it evoke a rise of AP. Inclusion of Adelta2-fiber impulses into the afferent inflow either did not alter the average AP decrease or evoked a weak, and only sometimes, a more pronounced AP rise. It was found crucial to keep intact the structures of the ponto-medullary junction, as well as the most rostral part of the medulla for sharp decrease of the pressor reflexes or for the appearance of the depressor ones, instead. Consequently, in this part of the hind brain there are structures exerting a tonic depressive influence on the exciting effect of the somatic A-afferent impulses on the vasoconstrictor neurons, thus unmasking the existence of the inhibitory component of their action on these neurons. In unanesthetized cats this action of the hind brain structures is tonically inhibited by the midbrain.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Biochemical differentiation of aggregating cell cultures of different fetal rat brain regions.

Rotation-mediated aggregating cell cultures of mechanically dissociated fetal rat brains divided into three (telencephalon, mesencephalon-diencephalon and rhombencephalon), or two (telencephalon and mesencephalon-diencephalon plus rhombencephalon) parts were examined for their biochemical differentiation by measuring the specific activities of choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, catechol methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase. The results showed that such parts yielded cultures that were relatively enriched for acetylcholine-synthesizing (telencephalon) or catecholamine-synthesizing (mesencephalon-diencephalon and mesencephalon-diencephalon plus rhombencephalon) enzymes. For cultures which were derived from two brain divisions, the sum of the total activity for each enzyme in the parts after 30 days equalled that in whole brain cultures derived from the same group of embryos, suggesting that development of these enzymes was unaffected by division of the brain in two. In experiments to determine the effects of culture conditions on this development, chronic administration of certain drugs was found to selectively influence the specific activity of certain neurotransmitter metabolizing enzymes. Thus, in cultures of whole brain, ascorbic acid (0.2 mM) decreased tyrosine 3-monooxygenase and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase while other enzymes were slightly increased; and in cultures of telencephalon and mesencephalon-diencephalon plus rhombencephalon, N6, O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate (0.2 mM) decreased the specific activities of choline acetyltransferase acetylcholinesterase, glutamic acid decarboxylase and monoamine oxidase. These results demonstrate the feasibility of growing these cultures for pharmacological studies in developmental neurobiology.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1988

Distribution of corticotropin-releasing-factor-like immunoreactivity in brainstem of two monkey species (Saimiri sciureus and Macaca fascicularis): an immunohistochemical study.

Immunohistochemical methods were utilized to systematically map the distribution of corticotropin-releasing-factor-like immunoreactivity (CRF-LI) in the diencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon of two monkey species (Saimiri sciureus and Macaca fascicularis). A primary antiserum directed against the human form of the peptide was utilized. Immunoreactive neuronal perikarya and processes were evident in numerous areas, and the distributions of these elements were similar for the two species. As previously reported for rats, monkeys, and human, intense immunoreactivity was evident in putative hypophyseal neurons in the parvicellular component of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and in fibers extending from this area into the median eminence. The results for other brainstem regions, most of which have been previously examined for CRF-LI only in rats, indicate that many similarities exist between rats and monkeys in the distribution of this peptide in brainstem extrahypophyseal neuronal circuits, although substantial differences are also evident. For example, immunoreactive perikarya previously observed in other hypothalamic nuclei in rats were not evident in monkeys. Conversely, in monkeys, unlike rats, labeled perikarya were evident in several thalamic nuclei, especially in the intralaminar complex. Also, two large groups of immunoreactive neurons which have generally not been observed in rat studies were present in the mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. In the mesencephalon this consisted of a group of neurons just lateral to the mesencephalic tegmentum, extending throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the midbrain. In the rhombencephalon, labeled perikarya were observed throughout the inferior olive. Some of the differences between rats and monkeys in the locations of labeled perikarya may be due to differences in antiserum specificity and/or sensitivity, or they may result from the fact that colchicine pretreatment was not utilized in the present study. The distributions of immunoreactive fibers also exhibited similarities and differences between monkeys and rats. The most striking terminal fields observed in the present study which have not been previously described are a moderate-to-dense field within and adjacent to presumed dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, a dense innervation of certain subdivisions of the interpeduncular nucleus, and a regionally and parasagittally organized distribution of fibers in the Purkinje cell and molecular layers of the cerebellar cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Ethylenethiourea-induced hydrocephalus in vivo and in vitro with a note on the use of a constant gaseous atmosphere for rat embryo cultures.

Embryos were studied either after direct exposure to ethylenethiourea (ETU) during incubation of embryo cultures or after maternal ETU dosing and subsequent embryonic development in utero with a view to assess the similarity of these two systems to produce hydrocephalus. Ten-day-old rat embryos were incubated with nutrient media containing 0-2.0 mM of ETU in a constant gasseous environment following a newly modified method. The cultured embryos showed hydrocephalus in the form of dilated rhombencephalon and other anomalies at the 1.5 and 2.0 mM of ETU after 26 hours of incubation. No anomalies were seen in the control group. In in vivo studies, dilated rhombencephalon or hydrocephalus was not observed when dams, orally dosed with ETU on gestation day 10, were either killed daily for three postdosing days to examine embryos or killed at term to evaluate fetuses. This discrepancy in dilatation that was incidental to the rhombencephalon in the two systems pointed out that the fourth ventricle of the cranial neural tube responded by dilatation in vitro but remained unaffected in vivo following ETU exposure. ETU dosing of dams on the 12th day of pregnancy, when embryos are known to be sensitive to ETU-induced hydrocephalus, followed by serial gross examination of embryos, suggested that edema occurred in a generalized form but only after the appearance of both hydrocephalus (dilatation primarily in mesencephalon) and, the previously reported, neuroblastic necrosis.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗