Galanin immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic studies in developing human fetal mammillary bodies

Development and maturation of nuclear groups in the mammillary complex of second and third trimester human fetal hypothalamus were studied using Nissl stain, galanin immunocytochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. While the identity of the supra and medial mammillary nucleus was established at 24 weeks of gestation (w.g.) in Nissl stained preparation, galanin immunoreactive (Gal-ir) neurons were seen in the supra and medial mammillary nucleus of 27 through 39 w.g. fetuses. Immunoreactive perikarya in the lateral mammillary nucleus appear later at 34 w.g. and show relatively meager population. Gal-ir neurons of the supramammillary nucleus were divisible in dorsal and ventral subgroups. There was a progressive increase in galanin expressing neurons in more and more ventral positions, along the medial margin of either mammillary body so that in term fetal specimens, the ventral subgroup appeared to be continuous with the medial mammillary nucleus. Galanin positive neurons were relatively sparse in the core of the mammillary bodies. Transmission electron micrographs revealed neurons with varying degree of indentation of the nuclear envelope. Vigorous synaptogenesis was seen in the supramammillary region of the mammillary bodies. The height and width of the synaptic complex also showed a progressive increase. Although galanin neurons were reported from the supramammillary nucleus of adult human mammillary complex, no immunoreactivity was detected in the medial and lateral components of the mammillary body. We suggest that expression of galanin in the medial and lateral components may be of transient occurrence and may serve a significant role in the synaptogenesis.