Immunocytochemical study of the marginal division in human striatum

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the existence of the marginal division in human stritum. METHODS: The cytoar-chitecture and distribution of the neurotransmitters in human fetal striatum were studied using Nissl staining and immuno-cytochemistry. RESULTS: In the sections with Nissl staining, a distinct fusiform cell zone was observed between the putamen and the globus pallidus of the human striatum. The long axes of these neurons in this region stretched dorsoventrally in parallel with the border between the putamen and the globus pallidus. Numerous L-ENK-, NT-, SOM-and SP-positive fibers and a few L-ENK-and NT-positive cells were found in the marginal division. CONCLUSION: For the first time we demonstrate that human also have the marginal division in the striatum which is similar to that of the mammals as the rats, cats and monkeys