Distribution of neurotensin‐containing fibers in the frontal cortex of the macaque monkey

Abstract

The distribution of neurotensin-containing fibers was examined in the frontal cortex of the monkey Macaca fuscata using the immunoperoxidase histochemical technique. An extremely dense network of neurotensin-containing fibers was observed in the medial prefrontal regions. The majority of cortical neurotensin fibers was observed in the anterior cingulate cortex (Walker's area 24) and adjacent medial prefrontal regions (areas 6 and 32). In area 24, the fiber density was similar to that in the nucleus accumbens. Immunoreactive fibers were particularly dense in two pyramidal layers (III, V). The medial prefrontal regions, areas 6 and 32, contained a moderate density of immunoreactive fibers. This regional distribution of neurotensin-containing fibers was not observed in other cortical fiber systems that contained substance P, somatostatin, or tyrosine hydroxylase. No neurotensin-containing cell bodies were observed in the frontal cortex. The present study demonstrates that the laminar and regional distributions of neurotensin-containing fibers are unique when compared to those of substance P- or somatostatin-containing fibers, and also distinct from that of catecholaminergic fibers. The distribution of telencephalic neurotensin fibers points to a relationship with limbic structures.