Nuclear organization and morphology of cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brain of the Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis): increased brain size does not lead to increased organizational complexity

The distribution, morphology and nuclear organization of the cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems within the brain of the Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) were identified following immunohistochemistry for choline acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in the complement of nuclear subdivisions of these systems in the Cape porcupine in comparison with previous studies of these systems in other rodents. The Cape porcupine is the largest rodent in which these systems have been examined and has an adult body mass of 10-24kg and an average brain mass of approximately 37g, around 15 times larger than the laboratory rat. The Cape porcupines were taken from the wild and while these differences, especially that of mass, may lead to the prediction of a significant difference in the nuclear organization or number within these systems, all the nuclei observed in all three systems in the laboratory rat and in other rodents had direct homologues in the brain of the Cape porcupine. Moreover, there were no additional nuclei in the brain of the Cape porcupine that are not found in the laboratory rat or other rodents studied and vice versa. It is noted that the medial septal nucleus of the Cape porcupine appeared qualitatively to have a reduced number of neurons in comparison to the laboratory rat and other rodents. The locus coeruleus of the laboratory rat differs in location to that observed for the Cape porcupine and several other rodent species. The Cape porcupine is distantly related to the laboratory rat, but still a member of the order Rodentia; thus, changes in the organization of these systems appears to demonstrate a form of constraint related to the phylogenetic level of the order.     

Distribution and morphology of catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brain of the highveld gerbil, Tatera brantsii

The distribution, morphology and nuclear subdivisions of the putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems within the brain of the highveld gerbil were identified following immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in the complement of nuclear subdivisions of these systems when comparing those of the highveld gerbil with those of the laboratory rat. The highveld gerbil was chosen as it is relatively closely related to the laboratory rat, but the Gerbillinae and Murinae lineages diverged over 20 million years ago. Moreover, even though brain sizes are similar, the life history and phenotypes between these two species are substantially different. The gerbils used in the present study were caught from the wild, which is again another contrast to the laboratory rat. While these differences may lead to the prediction of significant differences in the nuclear complement of these systems, we found that all nuclei identified in both systems in the laboratory rat in several earlier studies had direct homologs in the brain of the highveld gerbil. Moreover, there were no additional nuclei in the brain of the highveld gerbil that are not found in the laboratory rat. The only discernable difference between the two species was a greater density and number of catecholaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb of the highveld gerbil. Thus, the evolution of nuclear parcellation in these systems appears to demonstrate a form of phylogenetic constraint related to the order Rodentia.     

Nuclear organization of cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems in the brain of the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides): organizational complexity is preserved in small brains

This study investigated the nuclear organization of four immunohistochemically identifiable neural systems (cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic) within the brain of the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides). The African pygmy mice studied had a brain mass of around 275 mg, making these the smallest rodent brains to date in which these neural systems have been investigated. In contrast to the assumption that in this small brain there would be fewer subdivisions of these neural systems, we found that all nuclei generally observed for these systems in other rodent brains were also present in the brain of the African pygmy mouse. As with other rodents previously studied in the subfamily Murinae, we observed the presence of cortical cholinergic neurons and a compactly organized locus coeruleus. These two features of these systems have not been observed in the non-Murinae rodents studied to date. Thus, the African pygmy mouse displays what might be considered a typical Murinae brain organization, and despite its small size, the brain does not appear to be any less complexly organized than other rodent brains, even those that are over 100 times larger such as the Cape porcupine brain. The results are consistent with the notion that changes in brain size do not affect the evolution of nuclear organization of complex neural systems. Thus, species belonging to the same order generally have the same number and complement of the subdivisions, or nuclei, of specific neural systems despite differences in brain size, phenotype or time since evolutionary divergence.     

Nuclear organization and morphology of cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brains of two species of African mole-rat

The distribution, morphology and nuclear subdivisions of the cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems within the brains of two species of African mole-rat (Cape dune mole-rat -Bathyergus suillus; highveld mole-rat -Cryptomys hottentotuspretoriae) were identified following immunohistochemistry for acetylcholinesterase, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in the complement of nuclear subdivisions of these systems by comparing those of the mole-rats to published studies of other rodents. The mole-rats used exhibit a major reduction of the visual system and live a subterranean lifestyle. These wild caught animals also have differing social systems, the Cape dune mole-rat is strictly solitary whereas the highveld mole-rat occurs in social familial units. While these differences, especially that of phenotype, may lead to the prediction of significant differences in the nuclear complement of these systems, we found that all nuclei identified in all three systems in the laboratory rat and other rodents had direct homologs in the brains of the mole-rats studied. There were no additional nuclei in the brains of the mole-rats that are not found in the laboratory rat or other rodents and vice versa. The mole-rats are phylogenetically distant from the laboratory rat, but are still part of the order Rodentia. We conclude that changes in the nuclear organization of the systems studied appear to demonstrate a form of constraint related to the phylogenetic level of the order.     

Distribution and morphology of catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brain of the highveld gerbil,Tatera brantsii

The distribution, morphology and nuclear subdivisions of the putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems within the brain of the highveld gerbil were identified following immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in the complement of nuclear subdivisions of these systems when comparing those of the highveld gerbil with those of the laboratory rat. The highveld gerbil was chosen as it is relatively closely related to the laboratory rat, but the Gerbillinae and Murinae lineages diverged over 20 million years ago. Moreover, even though brain sizes are similar, the life history and phenotypes between these two species are substantially different. The gerbils used in the present study were caught from the wild, which is again another contrast to the laboratory rat. While these differences may lead to the prediction of significant differences in the nuclear complement of these systems, we found that all nuclei identified in both systems in the laboratory rat in several earlier studies had direct homologs in the brain of the highveld gerbil. Moreover, there were no additional nuclei in the brain of the highveld gerbil that are not found in the laboratory rat. The only discernable difference between the two species was a greater density and number of catecholaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb of the highveld gerbil. Thus, the evolution of nuclear parcellation in these systems appears to demonstrate a form of phylogenetic constraint related to the order Rodentia.     

Distribution and morphology of cholinergic, catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brain of Schreiber's long-fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii

The current study describes the nuclear parcellation and neuronal morphology of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems within the brain of a representative species of microbat. While these systems have been investigated in detail in the laboratory rat, and examined in several other mammalian species, no chiropterans, to the author's knowledge, have been examined. Using immunohistochemical stains for choline-acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin, we were able to observe and document these systems in relation to the cytoarchitecture. The majority of cholinergic nuclei typically found in mammals were evident in the microbat, however we could not find evidence for choline-acetyltransferase immunopositive neurons in the Edinger–Westphal nucleus, parabigeminal nucleus, and the medullary tegmental field, as seen in several other mammalian species. A typically mammalian appearance of the catecholaminergic nuclei was observed, however, the anterior hypothalamic groups (A15 dorsal and ventral), the dorsal and dorsal caudal subdivisions of the ventral tegmental area (A10d and A10dc), and the ventral (pars reticulata) substantia nigra (A9v) were not present. The serotonergic nuclei were similar to that reported in all eutherian mammalian species studied to date. The overall complement of nuclei of these systems in the microbat, while different to the species examined in other orders of mammals, resembles most closely the complement seen in earlier studies of insectivore species, and is clearly distinguished from that seen in rodents, carnivores and primates. This data is discussed in terms of the phylogenetic relationships of the chiropterans.     

Distribution and morphology of cholinergic,catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brain of Schreiber's long-fingered bat,Miniopterus schreibersii

The current study describes the nuclear parcellation and neuronal morphology of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems within the brain of a representative species of microbat. While these systems have been investigated in detail in the laboratory rat, and examined in several other mammalian species, no chiropterans, to the author's knowledge, have been examined. Using immunohistochemical stains for choline-acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin, we were able to observe and document these systems in relation to the cytoarchitecture. The majority of cholinergic nuclei typically found in mammals were evident in the microbat, however we could not find evidence for choline-acetyltransferase immunopositive neurons in the Edinger–Westphal nucleus, parabigeminal nucleus, and the medullary tegmental field, as seen in several other mammalian species. A typically mammalian appearance of the catecholaminergic nuclei was observed, however, the anterior hypothalamic groups (A15 dorsal and ventral), the dorsal and dorsal caudal subdivisions of the ventral tegmental area (A10d and A10dc), and the ventral (pars reticulata) substantia nigra (A9v) were not present. The serotonergic nuclei were similar to that reported in all eutherian mammalian species studied to date. The overall complement of nuclei of these systems in the microbat, while different to the species examined in other orders of mammals, resembles most closely the complement seen in earlier studies of insectivore species, and is clearly distinguished from that seen in rodents, carnivores and primates. This data is discussed in terms of the phylogenetic relationships of the chiropterans.     

Nuclear organization of cholinergic,putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic nuclei in the brain of the eastern rock elephant shrew,Elephantulus myurus

The organization of the nuclear subdivisions of the cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems of the brain of the elephant shrew (Elephantulus myurus) were determined following immunohistochemistry for choline acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin, respectively. This was done in order to determine if differences in the nuclear organization of these systems in comparison to other mammals were evident and how any noted differences may relate to specialized behaviours of the elephant shrew. The elephant shrew belongs to the order Macroscelidea, and forms part of the Afrotherian mammalian cohort. In general, the organization of the nuclei of these systems resembled that described in other mammalian species. The cholinergic system showed many features in common with that seen in the rock hyrax, rodents and primates; however, specific differences include: (1) cholinergic neurons were observed in the superior and inferior colliculi, as well as the cochlear nuclei; (2) cholinergic neurons were not observed in the anterior nuclei of the dorsal thalamus as seen in the rock hyrax; and (3) cholinergic parvocellular nerve cells forming subdivisions of the laterodorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei were not observed at the midbrain/pons interface as seen in the rock hyrax. The organization of the putative catecholaminergic system was very similar to that seen in the rock hyrax and rodents except for the lack of the rodent specific C3 nucleus, the dorsal division of the anterior hypothalamic group (A15d) and the compact division of the locus coeruleus (A6c). The nuclear organization of the serotonergic system was identical to that seen in all eutherian mammals studied to date. The additional cholinergic neurons found in the cochlear nucleus and colliculi may relate to a specific acoustic signalling system observed in elephant shrews expressed when the animals are under stress or detect a predator. These neurons may then function to increase attention to this type of acoustic signal termed foot drumming.     

Distribution of orexinergic neurons and their terminal networks in the brains of two species of African mole rats

The distribution of orexinergic cell bodies and terminal networks within the brains of two species of African mole rat (Cape-dune mole rat--Bathyergus suillus and highveld mole rat--Cryptomys hottentotus) were identified using immunohistochemistry for orexin-A. The aim of the study was to investigate possible differences in the nuclear complement and terminal distribution of this system by comparing those of the mole rats to published studies of other rodents and mammals. The wild-caught mole rats used in this study live a subterranean lifestyle and are well known for their regressed visual system, which may lead to the prediction of differences in the distribution of the cell bodies and the terminal networks; however, we found that both species of mole rat displayed orexinergic nuclei limited to the hypothalamus in regions similar to those previously reported for other rodent and mammalian species. No immunoreactive neurons could be identified, in either species of mole rat within the anterior hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, as has been reported for Murid rodents. The terminal networks, while remaining similar between the species, are more strongly expressed in the Cape-dune mole rat than in the highveld mole rat.     

Nuclear parcellation of certain immunohistochemically identifiable neuronal systems in the midbrain and pons of the Highveld molerat (Cryptomys hottentotus)

The present paper details our findings following immunohistochemical examination of the midbrain and pons of the Highveld molerat (Cryptomys hottentotus) using antibodies for vesicular acetylcholine transporter (cholinergic neurons), tyrosine hydroxylase (dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons), and serotonin (serotonergic neurons). The aim was to see if, in this microphthalmic rodent that lacks a distinct circadian rhythm, the nuclei involved in aspects of visual processing and the sleep-wake cycle exhibited specific loss or morphological alteration. For all of the neural systems investigated we found nuclei that can be considered direct homologues of those found in the laboratory rat. There was no specific loss of any nuclear group of any of the systems investigated, but there was significant reduction (as judged qualitatively) in the number of neurons in the visual associated nuclei. The fact that we could identify all nuclear groupings from three systems in this species is suggestive of an evolutionary constraint acting at the level of the organization of the neural system.     

Cytoarchitecture of mouse and rat cingulate cortex with human homologies

A gulf exists between cingulate area designations in human neurocytology and those used in rodent brain atlases with a major underpinning of the former being midcingulate cortex (MCC). The present study used images extracted from the Franklin and Paxinos mouse atlas and Paxinos and Watson rat atlas to demonstrate areas comprising MCC and modifications of anterior cingulate (ACC) and retrosplenial cortices. The laminar architecture not available in the atlases is also provided for each cingulate area. Both mouse and rat have a MCC with neurons in all layers that are larger than in ACC and layer Va has particularly prominent neurons and reduced neuron densities. An undifferentiated ACC area 33 lies along the rostral callosal sulcus in rat but not in mouse and area 32 has dorsal and ventral subdivisions with the former having particularly large pyramidal neurons in layer Vb. Both mouse and rat have anterior and posterior divisions of retrosplenial areas 29c and 30, although their cytology is different in rat and mouse. Maps of the rodent cingulate cortices provide for direct comparisons with each region in the human including MCC and it is significant that rodents do not have a posterior cingulate region composed of areas 23 and 31 like the human. It is concluded that rodents and primates, including humans, possess a MCC and this homology along with those in ACC and retrosplenial cortices permit scientists inspired by human considerations to test hypotheses on rodent models of human diseases.     

Nuclear organization of cholinergic,catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems in the brain of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

This study investigated the nuclear organization of four immunohistochemically identifiable neural systems (cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic) within the brains of three male Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), which had a mean brain mass of 11.6 g. We found that the nuclei generally observed for these systems in other mammalian brains were present in the brain of the Tasmanian devil. Despite this, specific differences in the nuclear organization of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems appear to carry a phylogenetic signal. In the cholinergic system, only the dorsal hypothalamic cholinergic nucleus could be observed, while an extra dorsal subdivision of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus and cholinergic neurons within the gelatinous layer of the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus were observed. Within the catecholaminergic system the A4 nucleus of the locus coeruleus complex was absent, as was the caudal ventrolateral serotonergic group of the serotonergic system. The organization of the orexinergic system was similar to that seen in many mammals previously studied. Overall, while showing strong similarities to the organization of these systems in other mammals, the specific differences observed in the Tasmanian devil reveal either order specific, or class specific, features of these systems. Further studies will reveal the extent of change in the nuclear organization of these systems in marsupials and how these potential changes may affect functionality.     

Cadherins in the central nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS) is divided into diverse embryological and functional compartments. The early embryonic CNS consists of a series of transverse subdivisions (neuromeres) and longitudinal domains. These embryonic subdivisions represent histogenetic fields in which neurons are born and aggregate in distinct cell groups (brain nuclei and layers). Different subsets of these aggregates become selectively connected by nerve fiber tracts and, finally, by synapses, thus forming the neural circuits of the functional systems in the CNS. Recent work has shown that 30 or more members of the cadherin family of morphoregulatory molecules are differentially expressed in the developing and mature brain at almost all stages of development. In a regionally specific fashion, most cadherins studied to date are expressed by the embryonic subdivisions of the early embryonic brain, by developing brain nuclei, cortical layers and regions, and by fiber tracts, neural circuits and synapses. Each cadherin shows a unique expression pattern that is distinct from that of other cadherins. Experimental evidence suggests that cadherins contribute to CNS regionalization, morphogenesis and fiber tract formation, possibly by conferring preferentially homotypic adhesiveness (or other types of interactions) between the diverse structural elements of the CNS. Cadherin-mediated adhesive specificity may thus provide a molecular code for early embryonic CNS regionalization as well as for the development and maintenance of functional structures in the CNS, from embryonic subdivisions to brain nuclei, cortical layers and neural circuits, down to the level of individual synapses.     

Nuclear organization of some immunohistochemically identifiable neural systems in two species of the Euarchontoglires: A Lagomorph,Lepus capensis,and a Scandentia,Tupaia belangeri

The present study describes the organization of the nuclei of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems in the brains of two members of Euarchontoglires, Lepus capensis and Tupaia belangeri. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nuclear complement of these neural systems in comparison to previous studies on Euarchontoglires and generally with other mammalian species. Brains were coronally sectioned and immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against choline acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase, serotonin and orexin-A. The majority of nuclei revealed in the current study were similar between the species investigated and to mammals generally, but certain differences in the nuclear complement highlight potential phylogenetic interrelationships within the Euarchontoglires and across mammals. In the northern tree shrew the nucleus of the trapezoid body contained neurons immunoreactive to the choline acetyltransferase antibody with some of these neurons extending into the lamellae within the superior olivary nuclear complex (SON). The cholinergic nature of the neurons of this nucleus, and the extension of cholinergic neurons into the SON, has not been noted in any mammal studied to date. In addition, cholinergic neurons forming the medullary tegmental field were also present in the northern tree shrew. Regarding the catecholaminergic system, the cape hare presented with the rodent specific rostral dorsal midline medullary nucleus (C3), and the northern tree shrew lacked both the ventral and dorsal divisions of the anterior hypothalamic group (A15v and A15d). Both species were lacking the primate/megachiropteran specific compact portion of the locus coeruleus complex (A6c). The nuclei of the serotonergic and orexinergic systems of both species were similar to those seen across most Eutherian mammals. Our results lend support to the monophyly of the Glires, and more broadly suggest that the megachiropterans are more closely related to the primates than are any other members of Euarchontoglires studied to date.     

Activation of brain areas in rat following warm and cold ambient exposure

Environmental thermal stimuli result in specific and coordinated thermoregulatory response in homeothermic animals. Warm exposure activates numerous brain areas within the cortex, hypothalamus, pons and medulla oblongata. We identified these thermosensitive cell groups in the medulla and pons that were suggested but not outlined by previous physiological studies. Using Fos immunohistochemistry, we localized all the nuclei and cell groups in the rat brain that were activated by warm and cold ambient exposure. These neurons located in the hypothalamus and the brainstem, are part of a network responsible for the thermospecific response elicited by thermal stress. Comparison of the distribution of Fos-immunoreactive cells throughout the rat brain revealed topographical differences between the patterns of activated cells following warm and cold environmental exposure. Among several brain regions, warm exposure elicited c-fos expression specifically in the ventrolateral part of the medial preoptic area, the central subdivision of the lateral parabrachial nucleus and the caudal part of the peritrigeminal nucleus, whereas cold stress resulted in c-fos expression in the ventromedial part of the medial preoptic area, the external subdivision of the lateral parabrachial nucleus and the rostral part of the peritrigeminal nucleus. These neurons are part of a network coordinating specific response to warm or cold exposure. The topographical differences suggest that well-defined cell groups and subdivisions of nuclei are responsible for the specific physiological (endocrine, autonomic and behavioral) changes observed in different thermal environment.     

Thalamic nuclei in the opossum Monodelphis domestica

We investigated nuclear divisions of the thalamus in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) to gain detailed information for further developmental and comparative studies. Nissl and myelin staining, histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase and immunohistochemistry for calretinin and parvalbumin were performed on parallel series of sections. Many features of the Monodelphis opossum thalamus resemble those in Didelphis and small eutherians showing no particular sensory specializations, particularly in small murid rodents. However, several features of thalamic organization in Monodelphis were distinct from those in rodents. In the opossum the anterior and midline nuclear groups are more clearly separated from adjacent structures than in eutherians. The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) starts more rostrally and occupies a large part of the lateral wall of the thalamus. As in other marsupials, two cytoarchitectonically different parts, alpha and beta are discernible in the LGNd of the opossum. Each of them may be subdivided into two additional bands in acetylcholinesterase staining, while in murid rodents the LGNd consists of a homogeneous mass of cells. Therefore, differentiation of the LGNd of the Monodelphis opossum is more advanced than in murid rodents. The medial geniculate body consists of three nuclei (medial, dorsal and ventral) that are cytoarchitectonically distinct and stain differentially for parvalbumin. The relatively large size of the MG and LGNd points to specialization of the visual and auditory systems in the Monodelphis opossum. In contrast to rodents, the lateral dorsal and lateral posterior nuclei in the opossum are poorly differentiated cytoarchitectonically.     

Sleep in the blind mole rat Spalax ehrenbergi

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The mole rat, Spalax ehrenbergi, is an interesting species for sleep because of its pronounced specialization to a fossorial life. These rodents spend most of their life-time underground, and are less exposed to many of the environmental stimuli and challenges that are common to non-fossorial rodents. A prominent adaptation is their blindness, which is due to an atrophy of the eyes. DESIGN: Continuous 24-h recordings of EEG, EMG and cortical temperature, and EEG spectral analysis were performed in six individuals caught in the wild and adapted to the laboratory for several months. SETTING: N/A. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: N/A. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Total sleep time (52% of recording time) and the amount of REM sleep (8% of recording time) in these subterranean rodents are in the range of values found in the laboratory rat, mouse and hamster recorded under similar conditions. In contrast to these species, the polyphasic sleep-wakefulness distribution in mole rats was more distinct. A predominance of sleep in the dark period was only minor and not present in all individuals, which resembles sleep in the guinea pig. As in all other mammals investigated, the daily time course of EEG slow-wave activity (SWA) in nonREM sleep closely followed the polyphasic sleep-wake pattern and the light-dark preference. The transitions from non REM sleep to REM sleep were characterized, as in other rodents, by a gradual increase in EEG activity in the theta and sigma frequency bands before the transition. However, the power surge in these frequencies massively exceeded that found in other rodents. This feature may be related to adaptations of the brain to the requirements of the subterranean habitat. CONCLUSIONS: It is remarkable that large ecological differences between species within the same order have relatively small effects on many sleep features. The time course of SWA confirmed its predictability on the basis of the previous sleep-wake history.     

Species Differences in the Organization of the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus

The mammalian cochlear nuclei (CN) consist of two major subdivisions, the dorsal (DCN) and ventral (VCN) nuclei. We previously reported differences in the structural and neurochemical organization of the human DCN from that in several other species. Here we extend this analysis to the VCN, considering both the organization of subdivisions and the types and distributions of neurons. Classically, the VCN in mammals is composed of two subdivisions, the anteroventral (VCA) and posteroventral cochlear nuclei (VCP). Anatomical and electrophysiological data in several species have defined distinct neuronal types with different distributions in the VCA and VCP. We asked if VCN subdivisions and anatomically defined neuronal types might be distinguished by patterns of protein expression in humans. We also asked if the neurochemical characteristics of the VCN are the same in humans as in other mammalian species, analyzing data from chimpanzees, macaque monkeys, cats, rats and chinchillas. We examined Nissl‐ and immunostained sections, using antibodies that had labeled neurons in other brainstem nuclei in humans. Nissl‐stained sections supported the presence of both VCP and VCA in humans and chimpanzees. However, patterns of protein expression did not differentiate classes of neurons in humans; neurons of different soma shapes and dendritic configurations all expressed the same proteins. The patterns of immunostaining in macaque monkey, cat, rat, and chinchilla were different from those in humans and chimpanzees and from each other. The results may correlate with species differences in auditory function and plasticity. Anat Rec, 301:862–886, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Distribution of ACTH immunoreactivity in the diencephalon and the brainstem of the dog

The present work describes for the first time the anatomical distribution of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the diencephalon and the brainstem of the dog by means of the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The distribution found in this species agrees well with the pattern found in other mammals and particularly confirms much of the findings reported in the cat. An exception to that concordance is the presence of ACTH perikarya in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the dog, a population that has been described in the rat but not in the cat, and in the ventral mesencephalon. This last population spread across the ventral tegmental area from the raphe to the cerebral peduncle and appeared to be a specific feature of the canine brain. On the other hand, we can not see ACTH fibers in the substantia nigra of the dog which could be a characteristic of the domestic carnivores, opposite to rodents, since these fibers appeared to be also lacking in the cat. Nevertheless, the widespread distribution of ACTH fibers in the brain of the dog included many other nuclei containing monoaminergic neurons which supported a possible role for ACTH in the regulation of these neurotransmitter systems.