Neuron types in the rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus identified in Nissl and deimpregnated Golgi preparations

To identify geniculo-cortical relay neurons (GCR-neurons) and interneurons (I-neurons) in Nissl stained sections of the albino rat's (Wistar strain) dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) we combined a Golgi deimpregnation technique (Fairén et al. 1977) with the Nissl staining. The two types of neurons show numerous characteristic features in Golgi preparations (Brauer and Schober 1973, Grossman et al. 1973, Brauer et al. 1974, Winkelmann et al. 1976, 1979). After application of the combined method it is obvious that neuronal somata exhibit also features which make it possible to identify these types of neurons in Nissl stained series. GCR-neurons are characterized by a very broad cytoplasmic portion, whereas a particularly thin cytoplasm rim is typical of I-neurons. Our findings confirm former results obtained by analysis of Nissl material (Werner and Kruger 1973, Werner et al. 1975, Werner and Winkelmann 1976, Werner et al. 1984). In these investigations, special attention was paid to cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics in order to elucidate the ratio of GCR-/I-neurons (13:1) and the internal dLGN topography. It is still discussed if the described cytological features can be taken as basis for the classification of GCR- and I-neurons in other species.