Fluorescence microscopic differentiation of monoamines in the hypothalamus and spinal cord of the lamprey, using a new filter system.

Abstract

Using a new filter system for fluorescence microscopy, in the hypothalamic area and spinal cord of the lamprey the yellow fluorescent cells and varicosities could clearly be differentiated from the blue-green fluorescent cells and varicosities. On the basis of the criteria for monoamines, the blue-green fluorescence and the yellow one were due to catecholamine and indolealkylamine (most probably 5-hydroxytryptamine), respectively. This filter system can specially be recommended for observations and color microphotography of monoamine fluorescence in trasmitted-light darkfield fluorescence microscopy.