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On the structure of the pretectal nuclei of the rat: an immunocytochemical and tracer study
H Hilbig1, H J Lüth, E Winkelmann
1Institut für Anatomie und Paul-Flechsig-Institut für Hirnforschung, Abt. Neuroanatomie, Universität Leipzig.
Abstract:
We have studied the distribution of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin, the NADPH diaphorase activity and the morphology of the commissural neurons, revealed by the stereotactic applications of fluorogold in the pretectal complex of the rat. The histochemical differentiation of the pretectal complex shows a complementary pattern of parvalbumin and calbindin containing cells. Only a few of the neurons in the pretectal complex contain calbindin. Calretinin immunoreactivity is scant and diffuse. The NADPH-diaphorase activity is restricted to neurons and terminals in the nucleus of the optic tract and the dorsal terminal nucleus. Due to numerous active fibers which traverse these nuclei they display a reticular appearance. Commissural neurons constitute 20% of the cell number of the pretectal complex and are restricted to the dorsal and lateral terminal nuclei.