PMID: 9176728Jan 1, 1997Paper

Ultrastructure of the isthmic nucleus and identification of the synaptic contacts received by the neurons of the crossed isthmotectal projection in Rana esculenta

Journal für Hirnforschung
E PollákG Lázár

Abstract

The isthmic nucleus receives its major input from the ipsilateral optic tectum and projects to both tecta. It has been regarded as a relay station that is not involved in further processing of visual information. Recent studies on the connectivity and neurochemistry of this nucleus yielded substantial new data suggesting a more important role as being a simple relay. Since data on the ultrastructure of this nucleus are scarce the aim of this study was to obtain further information about the synaptic organisation of the nucleus. The frog Rana esculenta was used for our studies. The projection neurons of the isthmic nucleus were retrogradely labelled with HRP via the crossed isthmotectal tract. The tracer has been visualised with the diaminobenzidine reaction and the synaptic contacts have been studied with the electron microscope. Analysis of the synapses and profile types showed that both symmetrical and asymmetrical synapses are present in the nucleus. The dominant synapse type is axodendritic. Presynaptic profiles contain primarily round clear vesicles, but flattened vesicles also occur. Besides the axodendritic synapses, axosomatic contacts were also found in low number. Two kinds of dense core vesicles (large round or large...Continue Reading

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