The amygdaloid complex of the rabbit--morphological and histochemical study

The aim of the present paper is to describe the morphology and topography of the nuclei of the amygdaloid complex in the rabbit. In the current study we also investigated the intensity of the enzymatic reaction for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the amygdaloid complex and the morphology of its neurones. Material consisted of 5 brains of adult New Zealand rabbit, stained either with cresyl violet or for AChE activity. Although, as in other mammals, the rabbit amygdala consists of two main nuclear groups (corticomedial and basolateral), it reveals a peculiar morphology pattern, forming a transition structure between those observed in the cat and rat. Especially characteristic is the arrangement of the basolateral complex. Within that the ventromedial division of the lateral nucleus seems to be the largest, while its dorsolateral division--the smallest. The arrangement of the corticomedial complex in the rabbit is similar to both the cat and rat. In the rabbit the highest acetylcholinesterase activity is found in the basolateral nucleus and the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract. The lowest AChE staining is observed in the cortical and medial nuclei, amygdalohippocampal and anterior amygdaloid areas and intercalated masses.