Connections of the octopus optic lobe: An HRP study

The major visual centers of the octopus central nervous system are the paired optic lobes. Bidirectional transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to determine connections of the optic lobe. Cells afferent to the optic lobe were identified by retrograde HRP transport in the following lobes of the central ganglia: anterior basal, median basal, dorsal basal, interbasal, subvertical, precommissural, brachial, and magnocellular. Labeled cells were also observed within the contralateral optic lobe, various optic tract lobes bilaterally, and in photoreceptors of the ipsilateral retina. Additionally, individual fibers, in part originating from cells in the posterior subvertical lobe, were labeled within the central neuropil core of various vertical lobules. Differences in results between superficial and deep optic lobe medulla injections indicate that some afferent projections from central sources may terminate on cell populations at specific depths within the lobe. Efferent optic lobe fibers into the superior frontal and lateral basal lobes were labeled by anterograde transport. Other possible optic lobe efferent projections terminated in supraesophageal lobes and the magnocellular lobe. The many inputs to the optic lobe from higher motor and associative centers in the central ganglia emphasize that the medulla region of the optic lobe is an exceptionally complex integrative area.     

Single retinal ganglion cells projecting in bilaterally to the lateral geniculate nuclei or superior colliculi by way of axon collaterals in the cat

In most mammals with frontalized eyes, retinal ganglion cells in the nasal or temporal retina send their axons to the contralateral or ipsilateral half, respectively, of the brain. Previous studies in the cat, however, have indicated a retinal region of “nasotemporal overlap” from which arise the retinal projections to both the contralateral and ipsilateral halves of the brain. The present study thus examined in the cat whether any retinal ganglion cells give rise to bifurcating axons that innervate both halves of the brain. By employing fluorescent retrograde double labeling, we investigated whether or not single retinal ganglion cells project bilaterally to the lateral geniculate nuclei or superior colliculi by way of axon collaterals. After Fast Blue was injected into the lateral geniculate nucleus on one side and Diamidino Yellow was injected contralaterally into the lateral geniculate nucleus, 100–200 ganglion cells in each retina were double labeled with both tracers. These double-labeled cells were distributed primarily in the temporal retina, including the region around the vertical meridian and, additionally, in the nasal retina. About 60–80% of the double-labeled cells had large cell bodies (more than 25 μm in diameter), and the others had medium-sized ones (15–25 μm in diameter). The pattern of distribution of double-labeled cells, which was observed after the combined injection into both superior colliculi, was similar to that seen after the combined injection into both lateral geniculate nuclei; more than 9% of double-labeled cells, however, were large. The results indicate that a certain population of ganglion cells in the cat retina send their axons bilaterally to the lateral geniculate nuclei or superior colliculi by way of axon collaterals. The bilaterally projecting ganglion cells are mostly large, corresponding probably to α cells (the morphological counterparts of Y cells). In comparison with the patterns of bilateral projections of single retinal ganglion cells in the rat and monkey, the pattern of the bilateral retinofugal projections in the cat could represent an intermediate between those in the rat and monkey. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Horizontal optokinetic nystagmus in unilaterally enucleated pigmented rats: role of the pretectal commissural fibers.

Monocular enucleation reduces the asymmetry of horizontal optokinetic nystagmus (H-OKN) in afoveate mammals by increasing responses to naso-temporal visual stimulation. The origin of these larger responses was investigated in adult pigmented rats monocularly enucleated as neonates or as adults by analyzing retinal and commissural projections to the deafferented nucleus of the optic tract (NOT) and the functional role of this nucleus before and after section of the posterior commissure. Anatomically, monocular enucleation reduces the volume of the contralateral deafferented NOT. Anterograde tracers injected in the intact eye reveal a crossed projection of the retina to the NOT and to the dorsal (DTN) and medial (MTN) terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system as in normal rats. In addition, there is an uncrossed projection to the MTN in the rats enucleated as neonates. Retrograde tracer injected in the deafferented NOT confirms the absence of an uncrossed retinal projection but reveals connections between both NOT via the posterior commissure as in normal rats. Electrophysiologically, the larger naso-temporal optokinetic responses in monocularly enucleated rats return to normal after posterior commissurotomy. This study demonstrates that no anatomical remodelling takes place to increase naso-temporal responses in monocularly enucleated rats. The larger responses must then result from functional changes. The role of exclusive contralateral projections of the retina to the NOT and of the commissural connections in mediating the asymmetry of the optokinetic nystagmus in afoveate mammals is discussed.     

Morphologic features of the chemosensory, visual and vestibular pathways of Helix lucorum

The structure of chemosensory, visual and statocyst pathways of the snail Helix lucorum has been studied by means of five histological methods. The chemoreceptors of the optic tentacle bulb, small and large neurons of tentacle ganglion and bipolar cells of olfactory nerve send their processes to the CNS of the mollusc. In the CNS these processes divide into many clusters of branches. All protocerebral cells and the cluster of neurons of the commissural part of metacerebrum send their processes within the olfactory nerve towards the periphery. The axons of eye cells terminate in the enlargement of optic nerve near the eye; so do the CNS cells and neurons of the optic nerve. In the neuropile of pleural part of metacerebrum a region of ramification of cell axons of the visual pathway is found. Hair cells of statocyst send their axons within the static nerve to the cerebral ganglion (CG). Small cells of metacerebrum send their axons towards the statocyst. In the neuropile of ipsilateral CG some processes of statocyst pathway cells divide into many thin branches; others--cross to the contralateral cerebral neuropile via the commissure joining two CG. In the neuropile of contralateral ganglion these processes give off a spray of many branches just as in the ipsilateral ganglion. The axons of the visual pathway cells and statocyst pathway cells ramify in the same region.     

Autoradiographic study of the retinal projections in the Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla

Autoradiography was used to investigate the optic system of the Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla. The pattern of retinal projections in the Chinese pangolin is similar to that described in other mammals. Each retina projects bilaterally to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei, pretectal area, and superior colliculus (SC). Only contralateral projections are found to the medial, lateral, and dorsal accessory optic nuclei. The large lateral nucleus receives a dense projection from the retina and forms a compact mass on the dorsolateral area of the cerebral peduncle. The lamination of the SC could not be clearly demonstrated in the brain of the Chinese pangolin.     

Central projections of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells in the mouse

A rare type of ganglion cell in mammalian retina is directly photosensitive. These novel retinal photoreceptors express the photopigment melanopsin. They send axons directly to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), intergeniculate leaflet (IGL), and olivary pretectal nucleus (OPN), thereby contributing to photic synchronization of circadian rhythms and the pupillary light reflex. Here, we sought to characterize more fully the projections of these cells to the brain. By targeting tau-lacZ to the melanopsin gene locus in mice, ganglion cells that would normally express melanopsin were induced to express, instead, the marker enzyme beta-galactosidase. Their axons were visualized by X-gal histochemistry or anti-beta-galactosidase immunofluorescence. Established targets were confirmed, including the SCN, IGL, OPN, ventral division of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGv), and preoptic area, but the overall projections were more widespread than previously recognized. Targets included the lateral nucleus, peri-supraoptic nucleus, and subparaventricular zone of the hypothalamus, medial amygdala, margin of the lateral habenula, posterior limitans nucleus, superior colliculus, and periaqueductal gray. There were also weak projections to the margins of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. Co-staining with the cholera toxin B subunit to label all retinal afferents showed that melanopsin ganglion cells provide most of the retinal input to the SCN, IGL, and lateral habenula and much of that to the OPN, but that other ganglion cells do contribute at least some retinal input to these targets. Staining patterns after monocular enucleation revealed that the projections of these cells are overwhelmingly crossed except for the projection to the SCN, which is bilaterally symmetrical.     

The carotid body connections: a WGA-HRP study in the cat

Previous neuroanatomical studies described the central representation of the carotid sinus nerve, but did not differentiate the projections of the baroreceptors from the chemoreceptors present in the carotid bifurcation. In this research we investigated the individual territories occupied by the primary afferents from the carotid body in the brainstem of the cat. We also studied the distribution of afferent and efferent neurons to the carotid body. We injected into the carotid body lectin coupled to horseradish peroxidase. We found labeled axons only in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius; in particular, we found strong projections to the following ipsilateral subnuclei: dorsal, interstitial, and medial part of the commissural subnucleus. Moderate labeling was found in the ipsilateral medial and intermediate subnuclei and in the contralateral dorsal subnucleus and the medial region of the commissural subnucleus. We found a mean of 256 +/- 79 (S.E.M.) labeled afferent ganglion cells in the petrosal ganglia, and no evidence of efferent neurons in the brainstem that innervate the carotid body; conversely, about 4000 efferent neurons of the superior cervical ganglion send terminals to the ipsilateral carotid body.     

Retinal projections and retinal ganglion cell distribution patterns in a sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), a non-teleost actinopterygian fish

Retinal projections in a sturgeon were studied by injecting biocytin or HRP into the optic nerve. The target areas are the preoptic area, thalamus, area pretectalis, nucleus of posterior commissure, optic tectum, and nuclei of the accessory optic tract. Furthermore, a few labeled fibers and terminals were found in a ventrolateral area of the caudal telencephalon. All retinal projections are bilateral, although contralateral projections were more heavily labeled. Retrogradely labeled neurons were found in the ventral thalamus bilaterally. Retinal projections in sturgeons are similar to those of other non-teleost actinopterygians and chondrichthyans (sharks), in terms of the targets and extent of bilateral projections. Distribution patterns of ganglion cells in the retina were examined in Nissl-stained retinal whole mount preparations. The highest density areas were found in the temporal and nasal retinas, and a dense band of ganglion cells was observed along the horizontal axis between the nasal and temporal areas of highest density. The density of ganglion cells in the dorsal retina is the lowest. The total number of ganglion cells was estimated to be about 5 x 10(4) in a retina. The existence of a low density area in the dorsal retina suggests reduced visual acuity in the ventral visual field.     

The primary optic projections in the rabbit. An experimental degeneration study

The brains of ten rabbits (4 pigmented and 6 albino) sacrificed 6–21 days after unilateral ocular enucleation were prepared by Nauta and Nissl methods and used to study the projection and terminal destribution of degenerating optic axons. The retina is bilaterally represented in the alpha sectors of both ventral and dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (LGv and LGd), in n. tractus opticus (NTO), in the dorsolateral portions of nn. praetectalis anterior (NPA) and posterior (NPP), and in the superior colliculus (SC). The retina is unilaterally represented in the contralateral terminal accessory optic nuclei. The mode of termination of crossed and uncrossed retinal projections endows the LGd with a concealed laminar organization. Four laminae are recognized and numbered consecutively from lateral to medial. Lamina one is extensive and formed entirely of crossed retinal input. The remaining three laminae occupy the medial zone of the LGd. Of these, laminae two and four are innervated predommantly by the ipsilateral retina while lamina three is supplied mainly by the contralateral retina. Uncrossed retinal innervations of LGv, NTO, NPA, NPP and SC are scant and overlapped entirely by crossed retinal inputs. Chiasmal decussation of the optic nerve is 90–95% complete with the uncrossed component, and specifically the uncrossed retino-LGd and -SC projections, being larger in pigmented as compared with albino rabbits.     

Organization of retinogeniculate projections in turtles of the genera Pseudemys and Chrysemys

Organization of retinal projections to the dorsal lateral geniculate complex in turtles has been studied by means of light and electron microscopic axon tracing techniques. Orthograde degeneration studies with Fink-Heimer methods following restricted retinal lesions show the entire retina has a topologically organized projection to the contralateral dorsal lateral geniculate complex. The nasotemporal axis of the retina projects along the rostrocaudal axis of the geniculate complex; the dorsoventral axis of the retina projects along the dorsoventral axis of the geniculate complex. The projection to the ipsilateral dorsal lateral geniculate complex originates from the ventral, temporal and nasal edges of the retina. The nasotemporal axis of the ipsilateral retina projects along the rostrocaudal axis of the geniculate complex. It was not possible to determine the orientation of the dorsoventral axis of the ipsilateral retina on the geniculate complex. Light microscopic autoradiographic tracing experiments and electron microscopic degeneration experiments show the retinogeniculate projection has a laminar organization. Retinogeniculate terminals are found in both the neuropile and cell plate throughout all three subnuclei of the dorsal lateral geniculate complex but have a distinctive distribution in each subnucleus. In the subnucleus ovalis, they are frequent in both the neuropile and cell plate which forms the rostral pole of the complex. In the dorsal subnucleus, they are most prevalent in the outer part of the neuropile layer, less frequent in the inner part of the neuropile, and rare in the cell plate. In the ventral subnucleus, they are frequent in the outer part of the neuropile but are also common in the inner part of the neuropile and cell plate. These observations point to several principles of geniculate organization in turtles. First, the complex receives projections from the entire contralateral retina and a segment of the ipsilateral retina. It thus has monocular and binocular segments that together receive a topologically organized representation of the binocular visual space and the contralateral monocular visual space. Second, the three geniculate subnuclei receive information from different, specialized regions of the retina and visual space. Subnucleus ovalis receives information from the frontal binocular visual field. The ventral subnucleus receives information from the caudal binocular field. The dorsal subnucleus receives input from the contralateral monocular field. Third, there is a lamination of retinal inputs in the geniculate complex which differs in character within the three subnuclei.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Retinotopic organization in the development of the young trout Salmo gairdneri Rich

The progression of the retinotopic organization in the optic nerve projections to the contralateral thalamus and tectum was studied in Salmo gairdneri from hatching stage to 3 month old stage. After quadratic lesions of the temporal, dorsal, nasal, or ventral retina, the animals were separated in two groups: one used for Fink and Heimer method or electron microscopic observation and the other one for radioautography after injection in the operated eye of 14C or 3H proline. The analysis of the projections of each retinal quadrant shows that: Projections to thalamus and pretectum are ignorganized and appear progressively during development. On the contrary in tectum and corpus geniculatum, the visual projections are retinotopically organized since hatching. In the whole retino-tectal system, two subsystems develop differently: the naso-ventral retina reaches precociously its permanent target (the posterior tectum), the temporo-dorsal part of the retina links to the anterior tectum and shifts laterally during the first month after hatching, from medial to antero-lateral tectum for temporal projections. The shifting of projections is correlated with development of the medial fascicle of the optic tract. So it appears that the pathways play an important role in the spatio-temporal ordered pattern of terminations of retinal fibers on the tectal surface during development.     

Experimental anatomic study of the topography of the retinofugal projections in Discoglossus pictus (Amphibia, Anura). II. The tectum: existence of a double-system of primary optic projections

The possibility of retinotopic organization of bilateral retinotectal projection was studied by fotal retinal lesions followed by the Fink-Heimer technique. This work in Discoglossus pictus (Amphibia, Anura) shows two types of direct visual projections: a contralateral projection within the tectal layer 9 and a bilateral projection on tectal layer F of Potter (1969). The ipsilateral projection within tectal layer 9, earlier described after enucleation (Picouet et Clairambault, 1977), is not observed here. We discuss about reasons we failed to reveal it. Although appearing to be grossly in accord with data of literature, the retinotopic pattern of "classical" retinotectal projection (on layer 9) of Discoglossus presents some differences as the overlap of quadratic retinal projections. The anatomical tectal retinotopy appears less precise that physiologic retinotopy. The bilateral projections on layer F are characterised by medial (and specially medioposterior) location and the complete absence of retinotopy. All lesions in different parts of retina lead degeneration which take place in a series of distinct loci in the dorsal layer F. We discuss about a possible participation of axial optic tract to this projection.     

Projections of the vestibular and cerebellar nuclei in Rana pipiens

The efferent projections and cytoarchitecture of the vestibulocerebellar region were examined to determine the nuclear boundaries and potential homologies. The anterior portion of the vestibular complex projects to the ipsilateral oculomotor and trochlear nuclei and is the major source of commissural fibers. Neurons in the rostromedial portions of the complex project to the contralateral trochlear nucleus. Large neurons in the ventrolateral portion of the complex give rise to a bilateral vestibulospinal pathway. Medium-sized neurons in the neuropil and small neurons in the central gray giving rise to bilateral projections to the spinal cord and oculomotor nuclei as well as commissural and ipsilateral cerebellar efferents. Projections from the nucleus of the cerebellum reach the contralateral spinal cord and cerebellar nucleus and there is also a bilateral projection to the ventral rhombencephalic and mesencephalic basal plates. The medial portion of the nucleus gives rise to commissural, ipsilateral mesencephalic and contralateral spinal projections. The lateral portion of the nucleus projects to the contralateral ventral mesencephalon. On the whole, the results of this investigation substantiate the division of the anuran vestibular complex in anurans into nuclei which may be homologous to the superior nucleus and nucleus of Deiters in mammals. The case for distinct descending and medial nuclei is less compelling. Further, it appears possible to divide the nucleus of the cerebellum into medial and lateral components whose connectivity is similar to that of reptiles and to a lesser extent mammals.     

Retinopretectal and accessory optic projections of normal mice and the OKN-defective mutant mice beige, beige-J, and pearl

Retinal projections to the pretectal and terminal accessory optic nuclei were studied in normal wild-type mice and mutant mice with abnormal optokinetic nystagmus (OKN, Mangini, Vanable, Williams, and Pinto: J. Comp. Neurol. 241:191-209, '85). The mutants used were pearl, which exhibits an inverted OKN in response to stimulation of only the temporal retina, and beige and beige-J, which show inverted OKN in response to stimulation of only the temporal retina and, in addition, exhibit eye movements with a vertical component in response to horizontally moving, full-field stimuli. These projections were studied following intraocular injections of 3H-proline or horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with, respectively, light microscopic autoradiography or HRP histochemistry. In wild-type mice, strong contralateral retinal projections covered the entire nucleus of the optic tract, the anterior and posterior divisions of the olivary pretectal nucleus, and the posterior pretectal nucleus. Similar heavy contralateral projections were distributed over the dorsal and medial terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system. Also, terminals sparsely covered the entire neuropil of the contralateral lateral terminal nucleus in some but not all wild-type mice. The most prominent accessory optic input was to the medial terminal nucleus and was provided by the inferior fasciculus of the accessory optic tract. A typical mammalian superior fasciculus of the accessory optic system with anterior, middle, and posterior components was present. Ipsilateral label was found in anterior and posterior olivary pretectal nuclei in all of the wild-type animals, but was found inconsistently in the ipsilateral terminal accessory optic nuclei. The pattern of contralateral retinal projection to the nucleus of the optic tract and posterior pretectal nucleus in mutants was indistinguishable from that seen in the normal wild-type mice. However, retinal inputs to the ipsilateral anterior and posterior olivary pretectal nuclei were significantly reduced in pearl mutants and were exceedingly sparse in the beige and beige-J mutant mice, while the contralateral inputs to these nuclei were increased in a complementary fashion in the mutants. The labeling of the accessory optic input to the contralateral dorsal terminal nucleus appeared to be substantially reduced in all of the mutant mice. The size of the principal accessory optic fascicle, the inferior fasciculus, was significantly smaller in beige, beige-J, and pearl mice; this reduction was greater in the beige and beige-J than in the pearl mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Synchronization of oxytocin neurons in suckled rats: possible role of bilateral innervation of hypothalamic supraoptic nuclei by single medullary neurons

We have previously shown that oxytocin neurons located in the four hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei display synchronous bursts of action potentials before each milk ejection. The mechanisms involved in such a synchronization have, however, not yet been elucidated. In this study, we test the hypothesis of an extranuclear synchronization arising from a common extrahypothalamic input innervating bilateral magnocellular nuclei. First, two different retrograde tracers were injected into the right and left supraoptic nuclei of rats that were fixed 5-7 days later. Each tracer labelled numerous neurons in various brain regions ipsilateral or contralateral to the injection site, but colocalization of the two tracers within the same cell body could only be detected bilaterally in neurons in the ventromedial regions of the medulla oblongata. The axonal projections of these medullary neurons were then visualized by the unilateral microinjection of an anterograde tracer (BDA) within the ventromedial medulla oblongata. BDA-labelled axons afferent to the hypothalamus were found to branch towards both supraoptic nuclei through medial portions of the optic chiasma. Finally, in anaesthetized lactating rats, surgical lesions were placed medially through the optic chiasma and the electrical activity of oxytocin neurons in bilateral supraoptic nuclei was pair-recorded during suckling. The incidence of synchronous bursts in oxytocin neurons located within bilateral supraoptic nuclei were dramatically altered only when the medial portions of the optic chiasma were totally lesioned. Taken together, these data suggest that medullary neurons afferent to bilateral supraoptic nuclei are involved in the recruitment and synchronization of bursting in oxytocin neurons during suckling.     

Afferent and efferent connections of the nucleus sphericus in the snake Thamnophis sirtalis: Convergence of olfactory and vomeronasal information in the lateral cortex and the amygdala

This paper is an account of the afferent and efferent projections of the nucleus sphericus (NS), which is the major secondary vomeronasal structure in the brain of the snake Thamnophis sirtalis. There are four major efferent pathways from the NS: 1) a bilateral projection that courses, surrounding the accessory olfactory tract, and innervates several amygdaloid nuclei (nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract, dorsolateral amygdala, external amygdala, and ventral anterior amygdala), the rostral parts of the dorsal and lateral cortices, and the accessory olfactory bulb; 2) a bilateral projection that courses through the medial forebrain bundle and innervates the olfactostriatum (rostral and ventral striatum); 3) a commissural projection that courses through the anterior commissure and innervates mainly the contralateral NS; and 4) a meager bilateral projection to the lateral hypothalamus. On the other hand, important afferent projections to the NS arise solely in the accessory olfactory bulb, the nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract, and the contralateral NS. This pattern of connections has three important implications: first, the lateral cortex probably integrates olfactory and vomeronasal information. Second, because the NS projection to the hypothalamus is meager and does not reach the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, vomeronasal information from the NS is not relayed directly to that nucleus, as previously reported. Finally, a structure located in the rostral and ventral telencephalon, the olfactostriatum, stands as the major tertiary vomeronasal center in the snake brain. These three conclusions change to an important extent our previous picture of how vomeronasal information is processed in the brain of reptiles. J. Comp. Neurol. 385:627–640, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The organization of the pretectal nuclei in the trout: a revision based on experimental holodogical studies

The neuronal tracer DiI was applied to different brain centers of the rainbow trout in order to study the connections of pretectal nuclei. Our results showed that some pretectal nuclei receive a direct projection from the contralateral retina: the parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus, the central pretectal nucleus, the intermediate pretectal nucleus and the ventral accessory optic nucleus. In turn, the central pretectal, the intermediate pretectal and the ventral accessory optic nuclei, together with the paracommissural nucleus, project to the cerebellum and the torus longitudinalis. The magnocellular superficial pretectal nucleus does not receive retinal projections, but receives ipsilateral projections from the optic tectum and the mesencephalic tegmentum. In turn, it projects to the ipsilateral oculomotor nucleus and lateral nucleus of the valvula. The posterior pretectal nucleus and the parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus receive afferents from the ipsilateral nucleus isthmi. The posterior pretectal nucleus projects to the inferior hypothalamic lobe. Our results reveal a conspicuous projection from the ipsilateral parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus to the contralateral one and also to the contralateral posterior prectectal nucleus, not reported in previous experimental studies of teleosts. Pretectal centers appear to integrate visual/optic-related centers mainly with the hypothalamus and the cerebellum. The organization of the trout pretectum was compared with the pretectal organization patterns proposed in various teleosts.     

Retinal projections in the ringtailed possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus.

The retinal projections in the ringtailed possum, Pseudocheirus peregrinus were determined using Fink-Heimer material and autoradiography. At least seven regions in the brain receive retinal projections. These are (1) the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (2) the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (3) the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (4) the lateral posterior nucleus (5) the pretectum (6) the superior colliculus, and (7) the accessory optic system. The accessory optic system and lateral posterior nucleus receive a contralateral retinal projection only and the other five regions receive a bilateral retinal projection. The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus consists of two parts: an outer alpha division of closely packed cells and an inner beta division containing loosely scattered cells. There are no cell layers apparent within the alpha division in Nissl sections. The autoradiographs and Fink-Heimer material reveal four concealed laminae within the alpha division. Lamina 1, which is adjacent to the optic tract and lamina 3 receive a predominantly contralateral input. Laminae 2 and 4 receive a predominantly ipsilateral input. The beta segment contains a fifth lamina which receives contralateral retinal input.