A Golgi and ultrastructural analysis of the centromedian nucleus of the cat

The morphology of neurons in the centromedian nucleus (CM) was studied in rapid Golgi preparations of the adult cat. The ultrastructure of the nucleus, particularly its synaptic organization, was also studied with electron microscopy. The CM contains three types of neurons referred to as principal neurons, Golgi type II neurons, and bushy neurons. Principal neurons are the most numerous, have long dendrites, which branch infrequently, and are divided into two subgroups: principal-A neurons with dendrites that arborize radially, whereas principal-B neurons display horizontal orientations. Both subgroups show a frontal orientation in their dendritic organization and give rise to myelinated axons. Golgi type II neurons with their characteristic sinuous dendrites and unmyelinated axons are thought to be interneurons. The occurrence of bushy neurons in the cat's CM is a new finding. These bushy neurons resemble those of thalamic specific relay nuclei and give rise to myelinated axons. In addition to these three cell types, neurons with intermediate features between these three neuronal types are also described. The ultrastructure of CM neurons resembles, in general, typical central nervous system neurons. Presynaptic profiles are classified into four main categories. SR (small round) boutons are small in size, contain clear, round vesicles, and form asymmetrical synaptic contacts with predominantly small-diameter dendrites. LR (large round) boutons are relatively large and contain both clear and dense-cored vesicles. They interdigitate and form multiple, moderately asymmetrical synapses with their postsynaptic targets. Pale profiles are identified by their relatively electron-light appearance. They contain round vesicles and are thought to be dendritic in origin. The last category of presynaptic profiles is pleomorphic boutons. They contain vesicles of different shapes and are further subdivided into two subtypes: pleomorphic-I ends on soma and dendritic trunks, whereas pleomorphic-II contacts small-diameter dendrites. Both subtypes form symmetrical synapses. The glomeruli of specific thalamic relay nuclei generally contain dendrites, LR boutons, and pale profiles. In addition to these, pleomorphic-II boutons also participate in the formation of the glomerulus of the cat's CM.