Somatostatin-immunoreactive Fibers Research Articles

Immunohistochemical Localization of Somatostatin in the Brain of Chinese Alligator Alligator sinensis.

In this study, the regional distribution and histological localization of somatostatin (SS) immunoreactive (IR) perikarya and fibers was investigated for the first time in the brain of adult Chinese alligator by immunohistochemical method. The results showed SS-IR perikarya and fibers were widely distributed in various parts of the brain except for olfactory bulbs. In the telencephalon, SS-IR perikarya were predominantly located in the cellular layer and deep plexiform layer of dorsomedial and medial cortex, less in the dorsal and lateral cortex, while SS-IR fibers were found in all layers of the cerebral cortex. SS-IR perikarya and fibers were also detected in the dorsal ventricular ridge, hippocampus cortex, accessory olfactory bulb nuclearus, lenticular nucleus, and caudate nucleus. In the diencephalon, SS-IR perikarya and fibers were mainly present in supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, recessus infundibular nucleus, median eminence, the pineal gland and pituitary gland, in which the IR-fibers were abundant, appearing dot-shaped and varicosity-like. In the mesencephalon, they were present in tectum cortex, ependyma of cerebral aqueduct and the periaqueductal grey matter. Additionally, they were also detected in Purkinje's cellular layer of cerebellum, in the reticularis nucleus and raphe nucleus of medulla oblongata. The distribution pattern of SS-IR perikarya and fibers in the brain of Chinese alligator is generally similar to that reported in other reptiles, but also has some specific features. The wide distribution indicated that SS might be a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator which acts on many kinds of target cells with a wide range of physiological functions. Anat Rec, 300:507-519, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Somatostatin Inhibition of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in Female and Male Mice

Previous studies indicate that somatostatin regulates gonadotropin secretion. We investigated here whether somatostatin has direct effects on GnRH neurons in the adult male and female mice. Dual-labeling immunofluorescence experiments revealed the presence of somatostatin-immunoreactive fibers adjacent to GnRH neurons, and three-dimensional confocal reconstructions demonstrated apparent somatostatin fiber appositions with 50–60% of GnRH neurons located throughout the brain in both male and female mice. Perforated patch-clamp recordings from GnRH-green fluorescent protein neurons revealed that approximately 70% of GnRH neurons responded in a dose-dependent manner to 10–300 nm somatostatin with an acute membrane hyperpolarization and cessation of firing. This effect persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin and amino acid receptor antagonists, indicating a direct postsynaptic site of action on the GnRH neuron. The identity of the somatostatin receptors underlying this action was assessed using GnRH neuron single-cell RT-PCR. Of the somatostatin receptor subtypes, the sstr2 transcript was the most prevalent and detected in both males and females. The expression of sstr2 by GnRH neurons was confirmed in the sstr2 knockout/LacZ knock-in mouse line. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the sstr2-selective agonist seglitide exerted acute hyperpolarizing actions on GnRH neurons identical to those of somatostatin. Together, these studies reveal somatostatin, acting through sstr2, to be one of the most potent inhibitors of electrical excitability of male and female GnRH neurons identified thus far.

Somatostatin Inhibition of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in Female and Male Mice

Previous studies indicate that somatostatin regulates gonadotropin secretion. We investigated here whether somatostatin has direct effects on GnRH neurons in the adult male and female mice. Dual-labeling immunofluorescence experiments revealed the presence of somatostatin-immunoreactive fibers adjacent to GnRH neurons, and three-dimensional confocal reconstructions demonstrated apparent somatostatin fiber appositions with 50-60% of GnRH neurons located throughout the brain in both male and female mice. Perforated patch-clamp recordings from GnRH-green fluorescent protein neurons revealed that approximately 70% of GnRH neurons responded in a dose-dependent manner to 10-300 nm somatostatin with an acute membrane hyperpolarization and cessation of firing. This effect persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin and amino acid receptor antagonists, indicating a direct postsynaptic site of action on the GnRH neuron. The identity of the somatostatin receptors underlying this action was assessed using GnRH neuron single-cell RT-PCR. Of the somatostatin receptor subtypes, the sstr2 transcript was the most prevalent and detected in both males and females. The expression of sstr2 by GnRH neurons was confirmed in the sstr2 knockout/LacZ knock-in mouse line. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the sstr2-selective agonist seglitide exerted acute hyperpolarizing actions on GnRH neurons identical to those of somatostatin. Together, these studies reveal somatostatin, acting through sstr2, to be one of the most potent inhibitors of electrical excitability of male and female GnRH neurons identified thus far.

Distribution of somatostatin immunoreactive neurons and fibres in the central nervous system of a chondrostean, the Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baeri)

Somatostatin (SOM) is a neuropeptide that is widely distributed in the central nervous system of vertebrates. Two isoforms of somatostatin (SS1 and SS2) have been characterized in sturgeon and in situ hybridisation studies in the sturgeon brain have demonstrated that mRNAs of the two somatostatin precursors (PSS1 and PSS2) are differentially expressed in neurons [Trabucchi, M., Tostivint, H., Lihrmann, I., Sollars, C., Vallarino, M., Dores, R.M., Vaudry, H., 2002. Polygenic expression of somatostatin in the sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus: molecular cloning and distribution of the mRNAs encoding two somatostatin precursors. J. Comp. Neurol. 443, 332–345.]. However, neither the morphology of somatostatinergic neurons nor the patterns of innervation have yet been characterized. To gain further insight into the evolution of this system in primitive bony fishes, we studied the distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive (SOM-ir) cells and fibres in the brain of the Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baeri). Most SOM-ir cells were found in the preoptic area and hypothalamus and abundant SOM-ir fibres coursed along the hypothalamic floor towards the median eminence, suggesting a hypophysiotrophic role for SOM in sturgeon. In addition, SOM-ir cells and fibres were observed in extrahypothalamic regions such as the telencephalon thalamus, rhombencephalon and spinal cord, which also suggests neuromodulatory and/or neurotransmitter functions for this peptide. Overall there was a good correlation between the distribution of SOM-ir neurons throughout the brain of A. baeri and that of PSS1 mRNA in Acipenser transmontanus. Comparative analysis of the results with those obtained in other groups of fishes and tetrapods indicates that widespread distribution of this peptide in the brain is shared by early vertebrate lines and that the general organization of the somatostatinergic systems has been well-conserved during evolution.

Immunocytochemical localization of somatostatin and autoradiographic distribution of somatostatin binding sites in the brain of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens.

The anatomical distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive structures and the autoradiographic localization of somatostatin binding sites were investigated in the brain of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens. In general, there was a good correlation between the distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive elements and the location of somatostatin binding sites in several areas of the brain, particularly in the anterior olfactory nucleus, the rostral part of the dorsal pallium, the medial subpallium, the anterior preoptic area, the tectum, and the tegmentum of the mesencephalon. However, mismatching was found in the mid-caudal dorsal pallium, the reticular formation, and the cerebellum, which contained moderate to high concentrations of binding sites and very low densities of immunoreactive fibers. In contrast, the caudal hypothalamus and the neural lobe of the pituitary exhibited low concentrations of binding sites and a high to moderate density of somatostatin-immunoreactive fibers. The present results provide the first localization of somatostatin in the brain of a dipnoan and the first anatomical distribution of somatostatin binding sites in the brain of a fish. The location of somatostatin-immunoreactive elements in the brain of P. annectens is consistent with that reported in anuran amphibians, suggesting that the general organization of the somatostatin peptidergic systems occurred in a common ancestor of dipnoans and tetrapods. The anatomical distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive elements and somatostatin binding sites suggests that somatostatin acts as a hypophysiotropic neurohormone as well as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator in the lungfish brain.

Distribution of somatostatin receptors in the adult human brainstem

The neuropeptide somatostatin is widely distributed in the central nervous system of rat and human. Somatostatin-containing neurons are particularly abundant in the hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex and the limbic system. Somatostatin is also present in a number of discrete structures in the brainstem and spinal cord. The localization of somatostatin receptors provides valuable information regarding the possible roles of the peptide in the brain. In the present study, we have investigated the precise distribution of somatostatin binding sites in the human lower brainstem by quantitative autoradiography, using [125I-Tyr0,DTrp8]S14 as a radioligand. The tissues were collected from two individuals, aged 50 and 67 years, who had no antecedent of neurological disorders. The binding of the radioligand was visualized in 73 distinct anatomical regions of the medulla and pons and quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Somatostatin binding sites were present in sensory nuclei, the highest densities being observed in the trigeminal complex (spinalis oralis and interpolaris) and in the nucleus (N.) tractus solitarii. Moderate to low densities of binding sites were detected in the N. vestibularis medialis and spinalis, and in the N. nervus trigemini sensibilis principalis. Many relay nuclei of the ascending somatosensory pathways contained moderate to high densities of binding sites: the inferior olivary complex, the N. arcuatus and the N. praepositus hypoglossi. Binding sites were also present in several motor nuclei such as the N. nervi hypoglossi, the N. dorsalis motorius nervi vagi, the N. nervi facialis and the N. nervi abducentis. Moderate to low concentrations of binding sites were detected in nuclei related to the reticular formation including the N. raphae pallidus, the N. parabrachialis and the N. supratrochlearis. The N. locus coeruleus exhibited a very high concentration of somatostatin binding sites in both individuals. The present data, together with previous studies on the distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive fibers in the human brainstem, suggest that somatostatin may be involved in (i) sensory processes including vestibular sensitivity, somatosensoriality and proprioception, (ii) sleep-waking cycle and arousal, and (iii) control of various neurovegetative functions including regulation of cardiovascular and respiratory activities as well as gastric acid secretion.

Developmental patterns of somatostatin-receptors and somatostatin-immunoreactivity during early neurogenesis in the rat

The temporal pattern of distribution of somatostatin receptor was investigated using the somatostatin analogue [ 125I]Tyr 0-DTrp 8-somatostatin 14 as a ligand and compared with that of somatostatin immunoreactivity during early developmental stages in the spinal cord and the sensory derivatives in rat fetuses. Qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that somatostatin receptors were detected in a transient manner. In the neural tube, they were clearly associated with immature premigratory cells and with the developing white matter. During the time-period examined (from day 10.5 to 16.5), the disappearance of somatostatin receptors followed a ventro to dorsal gradient probably linked to the regression of the ventricular zone. In sensory derivatives, they were expressed in the forming ganglia and their central and peripheral nerves from embryonic day 12.5 to 16.5 inclusive, with a peak around day 14.5 and low levels observed at day 16.5. Competition experiments performed at embryonic day 14.5 demonstrated that somatostatin 1–14, somatostatin 1–28, and Octreotide displaced specific binding with nanomolar affinities while CGP 23996 was only active at micromalar doses. Such displacements are compatible with the SSTR2 and/or SSTR4 pharmacology. During the time period examined, some transient somatostatin immunoreactive cell bodies and fibers were detected in the neural tube and in the sensory derivatives. These results demonstrate the existence, in neuronal derivatives, of a complex temporal and anatomical pattern of expression of somatostatin receptors, from the SSTR2/SSTR4 subtype(s), and somatostatin immunoreactivity. It appears that the transient expression of somatostatin receptors and/or somatostatin immunoreactivity characterizes critical episodes in the development of a cohort of neurons; a fact that unequivocally reinforces the notion that somatostatin plays a fundamental role during neurogenesis in vertebrates.

Somatostatin‐immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of mouse, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit

The hippocampi of species commonly used for in vitro physiologic studies were examined to determine if there were species-specific and regional differences in somatostatin immunoreactivity. The distributions of somatostatin-immunoreactive somata and fiber plexuses were determined, and the concentration of somatostatin along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus was measured using a radioimmunoassay. There are many similarities in the patterns of somatostatin immunoreactivity in the hippocampi of mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. All species had a relatively even distribution of somatostatin-positive perikarya across three fields of the hippocampus (dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1-2), a similar distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive perikarya across the strata of the CA1-2 field and the dentate gyrus; and more somatostatin-positive cells in temporal than in septal hippocampus. However, there are species-specific differences in the distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactive perikarya across the strata of CA3. In addition, unlike the other species examined, mice appeared not to have a somatostatin-immunoreactive fiber plexus in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. The functional significance of these differences remains to be determined.

Neurons in the ventral subiculum, amygdala and entorhinal cortex which project to the nucleus accumbens: Their input from somatostatin-immunoreactive boutons

Neurons in the hippocampus, amygdala and entorhinal cortex which project to the nucleus accumbens were labelled retrogradely following injection of horseradish peroxidase. The injections were targetted on the medial part of the nucleus accumbens, but some injection sites included the whole nucleus. Projection neurons in all three areas were found to be spiny, and from the entorhinal cortex and ventral subiculum of the hippocampus they were pyramidal neurons. Somatostatin (S28 1–12)-immunoreactive neurons were found in all parts of the three limbic areas examined. They were found to have various morphologies, but in the electron microscope all had the ultrastructural characteristics of interneurons. In the hippocampus the stratum lacunosum was found to contain the most immunoreactive fibres while most cells lay in the stratum oriens. In the amygdala the densest staining for both cells and fibres was in the central nucleus. In the entorhinal cortex somatostatin-immunoreactive fibres and cells seemed to have no preferential distribution. Examination of somatostatin-immunoreactive profiles in the electron microscope revealed that the majority of synaptic contacts were made with dendrites, many of which were spine-bearing. In the light microscope somatostatin-immunoreactive fibres could be seen to lie near the somata and proximal dendrites of neurons that projected to the nucleus accumbens. In the electron microscope it was found that somatostatin-immunoreactive boutons were in symmetrical synaptic contact with the somata and proximal dendrites of neurons in the ventral subiculum, entorhinal cortex and amygdala which project to the nucleus accumbens.

Distribution of somatostatin-immunoreactivity in the brain of the larval lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus)

The detailed distribution of somatostatinergic neurons and fibre tracts in the brain of larval lamprey was studied in serially sectioned material using immunocytochemical techniques. Neurons were found to be arranged in four nuclei: a hypothalamic nucleus consisting of both small cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons and larger non-contacting neurons, a thalamomesencephalic nucleus and two isthmotrigeminal reticular nuclei. The hypothalamic nucleus is the first to differentiate. Analysis of young larvae showed that somatostatin-immunoreactivity first appeared in hypothalamic cells (12 mm larvae), while it appeared later in the other nuclei. The different somatostatin-immunoreactive fibre tracts innervate different regions of the brain. In addition, somatostatin-immunoreactive fibres originating from hypothalamic neurons were found in the anterior neurohypophysis, which suggests the presence of a hypothalamohypophysial somatostatinergic system in lampreys.

Distributions and colocalization of neuropeptide Y and somatostatin in the goldfish brain

The distributions of single- and double-labelled neuropeptide Y- (NPY-) and somatostatin-immunoreactive (SOM-IR) perikarya and processes were determined in the goldfish brain using immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence techniques, respectively. In double-labelled material, it was evident that although these two peptides showed markedly similar distributions, they were colocalized in very few instances. A high degree of colocalization of NPY and SOM was noted in the neurons of the ventrolateral telencephalon (Vl), the entopenduncular nucleus (NE) and, to a lesser extent, in the dorsocentral nucleus of the telencephalon (Dc). In Vl and NE. neurons showing NPY-IR displayed SOM-IR and vice versa. The only other instance of colocalization was that noted in the brainstem, where SOM and NPY were colocalized in the large cell bodies of the medial column of the vagal motor complex. Single-labelled SOM- and NPY-IR neurons shared a very similar distribution in various nuclei in the diencephalon and in the optic tectum. Colocalization was also noted within fibers throughout many nuclei of the telencephalon and within fibers innervating the swim bladder, one of the peripheral organs to which neurons of the medial column of the vagal motor complex project. Processes in the torus semicircularis and vagal lobe showed single-labelled immunoreactivity for both SOM and NPY in distinct laminar patterns. Large single-labelled SOM-IR terminals appeared to form pericellular baskets in the eminentia granularis of the cerebellum. Single-labelled NPY- or SOM-IR fibers were also found in the secondary gustatory nucleus and tract, the facial lobe, descending trigeminal tract, reticular formation and spinal cord. As in mammalian species, select groups of neurons in teleosts colocalize the neuropeptides SOM and NPY.

Anatomical evidence for interactions between somatostatin neurites in lamina II of the rat spinal cord

Light microscopic analysis of adult and 10–14-day-old rat spinal cords suggested that somatostatin-immunoreactive (SOM-I) fibers apposed SOM-I cell bodies in lamina (L) II. Electron microscopic analysis of these relationships at both ages showed the presence of direct appositions between SOM-I fibers and SOM-I cells. However, synapse formation between SOM-I fibers and cells was observed only in the young rat. Similarly, synapses between SOM-I fibers and SOM negative cell bodies were only found in the young animal. Adjacent SOM-I perikarya directly contacted each other, but, again, membrane specializations were evident only in the young rat. Within L I of the adult dorsal horn, a SOM-I fiber directly apposed an unlabeled cell body. Despite analysis of serial sections through the apposition, no synaptic contacts were observed.

Chapter 48: Non-vasopressinergic, non-oxytocinergic neuropeptides in the rat hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal tract: experimental immunohistochemical studies

The hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal tract is known to contain the classical neurohypophyseal hormones vasopressin and oxytocin. Additionally, dynorphin, methionine- and leucine-enkephalin, cholecystokinin (CCK), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and galanin are co-stored with vasopressin and/or oxytocin. Recent immunohistochemical studies have revealed the existence of a low to moderate number of substance P-, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-, neuropeptide Y (NPY)- and somatostatin-immunoreactive nerve fibers within the rat neurohypophysis. VIP-, substance P- and NPY-immunoreactive fibers were distributed throughout the organ, whereas somatostatin-immunoreactive fibers were present in the proximal part of the organ. The positive nerve endings were either large in size resembling classical nerve terminals related to perivascular spaces, or smaller similar to peptidergic fibers as described in the CNS. These results indicate that these neuropeptides may be either co-stored with the classical neurohypophyseal hormones or contained in another system of afferents to the organ. The probably distinct functional roles of these neuropeptides in the physiology of the neurohypophysis are discussed.

Distribution of CGRP, substance P, VIP and somatostatin immunoreactive nerve fibers in the internal gills of larvae of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.

CGRP, substance P (SP), VIP and somatostatin were demonstrated in the internal gills of larval bullfrogs using the immunohistochemical peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Three groups of immunoreactive fibers were distinguished by their distribution area. The first group includes CGRP, SP and VIP immunoreactive fibers running in the connective tissue of the gill tufts. These fibers were associated with the capillaries. Some CGRP fibers were distributed similarly to SP fibers, and the density of VIP immunoreactive fibers was low. The second group includes CGRP, SP, VIP and somatostatin fibers distributed in the connective tissue surrounding the ceratobranchialia. The third group includes CGRP, SP and somatostatin fibers located in the branchial muscle. Their terminals appeared to be neuromuscular junctions. No immunoreactivity of leu- or met-enkephalins was found in the internal gills. From these findings, the first group of fibers is presumed to be involved in modulating ion transport of the internal gills. The second group of fibers except for the somatostatin fibers is thought to be continuations of the first group of fibers. The third group of fibers may possibly be involved in the modulation of transmissions at the neuromuscular junction. It is unclear whether somatostatin terminals are also involved in this.

Localization of substance P, CGRP, VIP, neuropeptide Y, and somatostatin immunoreactive nerve fibers in the carotid labyrinths of some amphibian species

Immunohistochemical localization of substance P (SP), CGRP, VIP, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and somatostatin (SOM) in the carotid labyrinth were compared in some species of amphibians using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Immunoreactivity of SP, CGRP, VIP, and NPY was found in the nerve fibers distributed in the intervascular stroma of the carotid labyrinth. SP, CGRP, and VIP immunoreactive varicose fibers were densely distributed in the peripheral portion of the carotid labyrinth. Some SP-immunoreactive fibers were distributed similarly to CGRP-immunoreactive fibers. The density of NPY and SOM immunoreactive varicose fibers was low. No immunoreactivity of enkephalins was observed in the labyrinth. The intensities of these peptides were varied from species to species. No glomus cells showed immunoreactivity for any of the 7 peptides studied. These results suggest that the vascular regulatory function, which is one of the possible functions of the carotid labyrinth, is controlled by the peptidergic mechanisms in addition to regulation through intimate apposition of glomus and smooth muscle cells (g-s connection).

Distribution of somatostatin- and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the porcine female reproductive system

The localization and distribution of somatostatin and neuropeptide Y were studied in the porcine female reproductive system with the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Somatostatin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in different parts of the ovary and in the muscular membrane of the uterus as well as in the mesosalphinx. Somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons were detected in the inferior mesenteric ganglion. Neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity was present in a large number of nerve fibers distributed in different regions of the uterus, oviduct and ovary. The present results suggest that the porcine female genital organs receive innervation by somatostatin- and neuropeptide Y-containing nerve fibers, but their exact functional role remains to be established.

Origins of somatostatin immunoreactive fibers in the rat amygdaloid nucleus

Origins of somatostatin immunoreactive fibers in the rat amygdaloid nucleus

The maturation of the somatostatin systems in the rat visual cortex

The development of somatostatin-immunoreactive (SS) neurons and processes in the rat visual cortex (VC) was studied in animals from embryonic day 20 (E20) to postnatal day 21 (D21). Three distinct patterns of immunoreactivity were seen. From E20 to birth (D0), VC was characterized by a small number of mainly bipolar SS neurons throughout the cortical plate. In the perinatal period, from D1 to D6, there were large numbers of immature immunoreactive neurons which were confined to layer VI and the subplate zone, a few bipolar neurons in the cortical plate and an extremely dense plexus of SS processes throughout the neuropil. The third phase, from D8 to weaning, was characterized by the absence of immature SS neurons, an increase in the number of multipolar SS neurons and a decrease in the density of SS fibers. By D15, the time of eye-opening, the number and distribution of SS neurons and processes was close to that seen in the adult. These results indicate that the SS system of neurons and fibers is among the earliest of the transmitter systems to be established in VC and suggests a role for the peptide in cortical organization as well as visual processing.

The paraventricular and posterior recess organs of elasmobranchs: A system of cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons containing immunoreactive serotonin and somatostatin

The paraventricular organ (PVO) and the posterior recess organ (PRO) of two elasmobranch species, the spiny dogfish,Squalus acanthias, and the skate,Raja radiata, were investigated by use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry employing a series of primary antisera. The PVO and PRO contained four types of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons. One type was free of secretory granules and projected a dendrite-like process into the ventricle. The other three types were distinguished according to the size of their secretory granules. The ventricular extensions of these cells were filled with secretory granules. By means of immunocytochemistry three types of CSF-contacting neurons were observed in the PVO and PRO. Type I contained only serotonin; type 2 displayed only somatostatin; type 3 was endowed with both serotonin and somatostatin. Type I dominated in the PRO, whereas type 3 was the most frequent in the PVO. The latter cells appear to be the site of origin of a loose tract formed by serotonin- and somatostatinimmunoreactive fibers projecting from the PVO into the neuropil of the PRO. Compact bundles formed exclusively by serotonin fibers were also shown to extend between the PVO and PRO. The basal processes of the CSF-contacting neurons of the PRO penetrated into the underlying neuropil. This neuropil is rich in synapses and can be regarded as an integrative area to which the basal processes of the local CSF-contacting neurons, serotonin and somatostatin fibers from the PVO, and fibers containing immunoreactive thyrotropin-releasing hormone of unknown origin, support a conspicuous input. The present findings indicate that the PVO and PRO of elasmobranchs are functionally integrated structures.

Amygdaloid projections to the frontal cortex and the striatum in the rat

Projections from the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) to the frontal cortex and the striatum were studied by using Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) anterograde tracing technique in the rat. PHA-L injections into the rostral part of the BLA resulted in a dense labeling of fibers with boutons in the dorsal bank of the rhinal fissure and in the lateral and the medial agranular cortex. PHA-L injections into the caudal part of the BLA produced a dense labeling of fibers in the medial surface of the frontal cortex. In most of the cortical regions, labeled fibers were predominantly distributed in two bands: one in the deep part of layers I and II and the other, heavier band, in layers V and VI. PHA-L injections into the rostral BLA resulted in a dense labeling of fibers with boutons in the olfactory tubercle, the rostral and caudolateral portion of the nucleus accumbens, and a large region of the caudate-putamen. The labeled area of the caudate-putamen included the rostroventral area, the central area, and the area caudal to the anterior commissure and dorsal and lateral to the globus pallidus. PHA-L injections into the caudal BLA produced fiber labeling in the most rostromedial area of the caudate-putamen facing the lateral ventricle, the medial portion of the nucleus accumbens, and the lateral septum. In the rostroventral striatum, PHA-L-labeled fibers selectively innervated the matrix compartment that contains abundant somatostatin-immunoreactive fibers. Compartmental segregation was less clear in the caudodorsolateral caudate-putamen and in the nucleus accumbens. Electron microscopy revealed that PHA-L-labeled boutons in the striatum contained abundant, small, round vesicles. These boutons formed asymmetrical synapses with dendritic spines of striatal neurons.