[THE METHOD OF ANALYSIS OF Y-NEURON POPULATIONS IN THE LATERAL GENICULATE BODY OF THE CAT]

The paper presents a method of analysis of cell populations that combines the use of normalized spatial coordinates of the neurons with the morphometric criteria of their evaluation. These algorithms were applied to check the heterogeneity of apopulation of neurons Y-conducting channel in cat at the level of the lateral geniculate body (LGB). As a specific marker of Y-neurons, SMI-32 antibodies were used. Evaluated The dynamics of the distribution of the number of cells and the orientation of their soma within each layer and mediolaterally along the length of LGB dorsal nucleus (LGBDN). Among the SMI-32-positive neurons, the existence of at least two populations was detected differing in number, orientation and distribution of the soma in different layers of LGBDN. The heterogeneity of Y-neuron population in LGBDN detected in this study is consistent with the earlier electrophysiological data. We believe that the described algorithm for neuronal analysis may be successfully applied to study not only LGB, but also other extensive structures of the brain, including those having laminar organization.