大鼠前庭神经核复合体内5-羟色胺1A受体的分布

为了研究5-羟色胺1A受体(5-HT1AR)亚型在大鼠前庭神经核复合体(VNC)内的分布情况,本文采用免疫组织化学方法,在光学显微镜下对5-HT1AR亚型免疫阳性结构进行了观察。结果显示:5-HT1AR免疫阳性产物在VNC各个核团全长均有分布,主要定位于VNC神经元的胞体和近侧端树突,呈弥散分布,但在胞浆中也观察到许多染色深浅不同、分布不均匀的点状阳性结构。其中5-HT1AR样阳性神经元在前庭内侧核的全长呈密集分布,在前庭下核的尾段呈中等密度分布,在前庭上核、前庭外侧核和X核的全长、前庭下核的吻段和中段以及Y核的中、尾段均呈低密度分布,Y核的吻侧呈稀疏分布。本文结果提示,5-HT1AR阳性结构广泛地分布于大鼠VNC内,它们可能在介导5-HT对神经元活动的调节,参与前庭信息的整合与加工方面发挥重要作用。     

雌性大鼠下丘脑5-羟色胺1A和2A受体亚型的定位分布

本研究应用免疫细胞化学技术观察了雌性成年SD大鼠下丘脑内5-HT1A受体亚型(5-HT1AR)和5-HT2AR免疫阳性结构的分布。结果显示:5-HT1AR免疫阳性神经元在视前区大细胞核、视前室周核、视上核和下丘脑外侧前核等核团内密集分布。在内侧视前核、外侧视前区、下丘脑室周核、下丘脑外侧区、背内侧核、腹内侧核、结节核、结节乳头体核、乳头体内侧核和乳头体外侧核等结构内也有较多的分布;而在正中视前核、视交叉上核、下丘脑室旁核、下丘脑背侧核、弓状核、乳头体上核和乳头体前核等部位有散在的分布。与5-HT1AR不同,5-HT2AR免疫阳性反应产物主要见于纤维和终末,阳性胞体少且染色淡。5-HT2AR阳性胞体见于下丘脑室旁核、视上核、腹内侧核、结节核、视前内侧区、外侧区、外侧前核、下丘脑背内侧核等处。另外,在视前区前内侧视前核、视交叉上核背侧和外侧可见围绕血管分布、密集成团簇状、带有大小不同膨体的阳性神经纤维缠结。本文结果提示5-HT1AR阳性结构广泛地分布于大鼠下丘脑,而5-HT2AR在下丘脑分布较为局限。二者不同的分布特点,提示它们可能介导5-HT在下丘脑的不同生理功能。     

大鼠前庭神经核复合体内5-HT能终末与表达5-HT1A受体的前庭-臂旁核投射神经元之间的联系

目的 观察大鼠前庭神经核复合体(VNC)内5-羟色胺(5-HT)样阳性终末与表达5-HT1A受体(5-HT1A R)的前庭-臂旁核投射神经元之间的联系.方法 运用逆行束路追踪和免疫荧光组织化学染色相结合的双重标记技术,在激光共焦显微镜下观察.结果 将四甲基罗达明(TMR)注入臂旁核后,在双侧VNC的各个核团内均可观察到许多TMR逆标神经元,但以同侧为主.免疫荧光组织化学染色结果显示,在前庭内侧核(MVe)、前庭下核(SpVe)、前庭上核(SuVe)、前庭外侧核(LVe)、X核以及Y核的一些区域内,许多神经元表达5-HT1A R样免疫阳性,并可观察到大量5-HT样阳性纤维和终末.激光共焦显微镜下可进一步观察到一些TMR逆标神经元同时呈5-HT1A R样免疫阳性,且有部分5-HT样阳性终末与TMR/5-HT1A R双标神经元的胞体或树突形成密切接触.结论 提示5-HT可能通过5-HT1A R对前庭神经核复合体-臂旁核间的信息传递发挥调控作用.     

5-羟色胺3A受体在成年小鼠海马中间神经元中的分布

目的:利用成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠,研究5-羟色胺3A受体(5-HT3AR)在海马中间神经元中的分布情况。方法:成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠经心脏灌注固定后,利用免疫荧光双标记方法,并结合激光共焦显微镜扫描技术,观察5-HT3AR在成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠海马中不同中间神经元内的表达和分布情况。结果:5-HT3AR在成年小鼠整个海马中都有分布,且主要在CA1区、CA2/CA3区和齿状回有大量5-HT3AR免疫阳性细胞;激光共聚焦显微镜下观察到5-HT3AR阳性产物在细胞核、细胞浆和树突上均有表达;免疫荧光双标实验结果表明5-HT3AR阳性产物在CB(calbindin),CR(calretinin),Reelin,Som(somatostatin),NPY(neuropeptide Y)和VIP(vasoactive intestinal peptide)免疫阳性神经元中表达,但在PV(parvalbumin)免疫阳性神经元中不表达。定量结果显示:几乎所有的VIP阳性神经元均表达5-HT3AR阳性,约3/4的CR阳性神经元表达5-HT3AR,约1/2的CB、Reelin、NPY和Som阳性神经元表达5-HT3AR阳性;约1/4的5-HT3AR阳性神经元中表达Reelin,1/5的表达Som,5-HT3AR/CB和5-HT3AR/CR双标神经元各占5-HT3AR阳性神经元的1/10左右。结论:5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠能够作为研究海马中5-HT3AR功能及其在中间神经元中的作用机制研究的工具鼠。     

大鼠海马内5-羟色胺及其受体5-HT2A的表达

目的:观察5-羟色胺(5-HT)纤维和5-HT2A受体在大鼠海马CA1、CA2和CA3三个区域的分布特点.方法:用5-HT递质和5-HT2A受体特异性抗体的免疫组织化学显色以及图像处理与分析.结果:在海马内,抗5-HT2A受体的免疫反应阳性产物主要位于锥体细胞的细胞膜和树突,树突染色较深;5-HT2A受体的阳性胞体在C...     

大鼠伏核内5-羟色胺样和甲硫氨酸-脑啡肽样免疫反应阳性结构的观察

本文借助免疫组织化学技术,在光镜和电镜水平观察了大鼠伏核内5-羟色胺(5-HT)样和甲硫氨酸-脑啡肽(Met-ENK)样免疫反应阳性结构的分布。光镜观察:5-HT样免疫反应阳性的纤维和终末可见于伏核不同平面的各亚区,但内侧区和腹侧区的明显地多于背侧区和外侧区,尾段的阳性纤维多于吻段。根据伏核内5-HT样纤维的直径、行径和膨体的数量,可将其分为粗纤维、中等粗细纤维和细纤维3种,此3种纤维的区分以内侧区和腹侧区较明显。未见5-HT样阳性胞体。Met-ENK样免疫反应阳性的胞体仅见于腹侧区和内侧区腹侧部,少量散在分布。Met-ENK样阳性纤维和终末也主要分布于内侧区和腹侧区,外侧区和背侧区较少。Met-ENK样阳性纤维均属细纤维,行径弯曲,外观呈绒毛状。Met-ENK样阳性胞体、纤维和终末在吻尾方向上的分布无明显差异。电镜观察:5-HT样阳性轴突终末与阴性树突形成对称和非对称型轴树突触;Met-ENK样阳性树突与阴性轴突终末形成对称和非对称型轴-树突触。上述突触多见于内侧区和腹侧区。     

大鼠中缝大核下行投射纤维与三叉神经脊束核尾侧亚核向丘脑投射神经元之间的突触联系

本研究分别用逆行和顺行追踪相结合及逆行追踪与免疫组织化学反应相结合的双标记技术对中缝大核下行投射纤维和５ ＨＴ 样阳性终末在三叉神经脊束核尾侧亚核内的分布及其与向丘脑投射神经元之间的突触联系进行了观察。将ＨＲＰ注入丘脑腹后内侧核,证明ＨＲＰ逆标神经元主要见于三叉神经脊束核尾侧亚核的Ⅰ、Ⅲ层;将顺行标记物ＰＨＡ Ｌ 注入中缝大核,证明ＰＨＡ Ｌ顺标纤维和终末也主要见于尾侧亚核的Ⅰ层,Ⅱ层内仅有少量ＰＨＡ Ｌ 顺标终末;免疫组织化学反应的结果显示５ ＨＴ 样阳性终末也主要存在于尾侧亚核的Ⅰ和Ⅱ层,其它部位仅散在分布。在电镜下观察到：（１）三叉神经脊束核尾侧亚核Ⅰ层的ＨＲＰ逆标神经元的胞体和树突分别与ＰＨＡ Ｌ顺标终末形成轴 体突触和轴 树突触,其中大部分为对称性突触,非对称性突触较少;（２）尾侧亚核Ⅰ层ＨＲＰ逆标神经元的胞体和树突也分别与５ ＨＴ 样阳性终末形成轴 体突触和轴 树突触,这些突触联系也以对称性突触为主。本研究的结果表明：中缝大核的下行投射纤维主要终止于三叉神经脊束核尾侧亚核Ⅰ层,对此层内向丘脑投射的神经元可能主要发挥抑制作用,而５ ＨＴ 是中缝大核下行投射纤维的主要神经活性物质。     

大鼠丘脑前核神经元内γ-氨基丁酸及其受体的表达

目的:探讨大鼠丘脑前核内γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)及其GABAA受体(GABAARα1和β2subunits)的表达,从形态学角度为系统研究丘脑前核的功能提供依据。方法:分别采用包埋后胶体金免疫电镜技术和原位杂交检测丘脑前核内GABA及GABAARα1和β2mRNA的表达。结果:(1)在丘脑前核,GABAARα1和GABAARβ2阳性神经元分布较密集,细胞形态较一致。空白对照切片为阴性,未见GABAARα1和GABAARβ2mRNA表达阳性神经元。(2)GABA胶体金免疫反应切片上,GABA胶体金颗粒浓重标记GrayⅡ型轴突终末,而树突、神经元、胶质细胞及背景标记极少。GABA能阳性轴突终末与中小型树突形成对称性轴-树突触,也与神经元胞体形成对称性轴-体突触。结论:提示在丘脑前核能够合成GABAARα1和GABAARβ2,且GABA能轴突终末与神经元的树突或胞体形成对称性突触。     

5-羟色胺3A型受体在成年小鼠杏仁体基底外侧核中间神经元内的表达

目的:研究5-羟色胺3A型受体(5-HT3Areceptor;5-HT3AR)在杏仁体基底外侧核中间神经元内的表达。方法:以成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠作为材料,利用免疫组织化学技术在激光共聚焦显微镜下观察成年小鼠杏仁体基底外侧核中5-HT3AR在不同类型中间神经元内的表达。结果:杏仁体基底外侧核中分布着大量的5-HT3AR免疫阳性神经元。5-HT3AR在小鼠杏仁体基底外侧核中Calretinin(CR)、血管活性肠肽(Vasoactive in-testinal peptide,VIP)和Reelin免疫阳性的中间神经元中大量表达,而在Calbindin(CB)、Parvalbumin(PV)或Neu-ropeptide Y(NPY)免疫阳性的中间神经元中很少表达。结论:杏仁体基底外侧核中存在5-HT3AR免疫阳性中间神经元,不同类型的中间神经元中5-HT3AR的表达比例不同。     

大鼠终纹床核5-羟色胺免疫阳性神经纤维和终支的起源

本文用WGA-HRP逆行束路追踪结合免疫酶组织化学双标记法,对大鼠终纹床核5-羟色胺(5-HT)免疫阳性神经纤维和终支(5-HT纤维)的起源进行了研究。结果如下,终纹床核主要区域的5-HT纤维,除主要起源于中缝背核和中央上核外,尚有部分纤维源自B_9组细胞群和尾侧线形核;在这些发出纤维支配终纹床核的中缝核神经元中,约有1/3为5-HT免疫阳性且主要为同侧;除少数区域外,这些核群内所有类型的5-HT免疫阳性神经元均有部分发出纤维投射到终纹床核。     

Organization of serotoninergic projections from the raphé nuclei to the anterior thalamic nuclei in the rat: a combined retrograde tracing and 5-HT immunohistochemical study

We combined retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) immunohistochemistry to study serotoninergic projections to the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) of the rat. Small iontophoretic injections of HRP into the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus resulted in double-labelled neurons predominantly in the ventromedial and also in the ventrolateral part of the ipsilateral dorsal raphé (DR). A smaller number of double-labelled neurons was also found in the dorsomedial part of the nucleus, predominantly ipsilaterally, and in the median raphé nucleus (MnR), close to the midline. After injection into the medial subdivision of the anteroventral thalamic nucleus, the pattern of labelling in DR and MnR was similar to that detected following injections into the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus. However, injection into the posterior subdivision of the anteroventral thalamic nucleus resulted in bilateral retrograde labelling of a few 5-HT-containing neurons in the dorsolateral part of the DR. Labelling in the ventromedial, ventrolateral and dorsomedial regions of DR and MnR was similar to that detected after injections into the medial subdivision of the anteroventral thalamic nucleus. After all injections into the ATN, double-labelled cells were found throughout the rostrocaudal extent of MnR and throughout the rostral two-thirds of DR. The caudal extension of DR was devoid of double-labelled cells. Although double-labelled cells were observed bilaterally in the dorsolateral part of the DR, the projection from DR to ATN was predominantly ipsilateral. These results show that there is an internal organization within DR such that subnuclei of the DR can be defined on the basis of their efferent projections to specific subdivisions of the ATN.     

大鼠运动核内5-羟色胺1A、2A、5A受体的定位分布

为了阐明５ 羟色胺在中枢神经系统内与运动神经元结合的精确部位,本研究用免疫细胞化学技术分别观察了大鼠躯体运动核和内脏运动核内５ 羟色胺１Ａ、２Ａ、５Ａ 受体的定位分布。在躯体运动核内观察到：（１）５ 羟色胺１Ａ 受体样阳性神经元和纤维主要分布于动眼神经核、滑车神经核、三叉神经运动核、面神经核、舌下神经核和脊髓前角;（２）５ 羟色胺２Ａ 受体样阳性神经元主要见于动眼神经核、三叉神经运动核、面神经核、舌下神经核和脊髓前角,但阳性纤维和终末却密集地分布于三叉神经运动核、面神经核、舌下神经核和脊髓前角等处,除此之外动眼神经核、滑车神经核、展神经核和疑核内也能见到中等密度的阳性纤维和终末,纤维和终末的分布范围和染色浓度、密度都较神经元为明显;（３）少量淡染的５ 羟色胺５Ａ 受体样阳性神经元和稀疏的阳性纤维及终末主要见于三叉神经运动核、面神经核、舌下神经核和脊髓前角。在内脏运动核内观察的结果是：（１）动眼神经副交感核（Ｅ Ｗ 核）、上涎核、迷走神经背核、骶髓副交感核和胸髓侧角内仅有少量５ 羟色胺１Ａ 受体样阳性神经元、纤维和终末分布;（２）５ 羟色胺２Ａ 受体样阳性神经元和较密集的阳性纤维和终末见于Ｅ Ｗ 核、迷走神经背核、骶?     

Developmental changes of calretinin immunoreactivity in the anterior thalamic nuclei of the guinea pig

This study describes for the first time the distribution of the calcium-binding protein calretinin (CR) in the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) of the guinea pig during development. Brains from animals ranging from 40th embryonic day (E40) to 80th postnatal day (P80) were used in the study. No CR-immunoreactive (CR-ir) perikarya were present among the ATN at E40, but thick bundles of fibers containing CR were crossing the anteromedial nucleus (AM). The first CR-ir neurons appeared at E50 in the lateral part of the AM. At E60, the bundles of fibers disappeared and the whole area of AM displayed closely packed CR-ir perikarya. At this stage, CR also appeared in neurons of the anteroventral nucleus (AV), particularly in its lateral part and along its dorsal border. Moreover, from E50 short and thin bundles of fibers were observed in the medial part of the AV. The ATN of newborns (P0) already showed an adult-like CR distribution pattern – perikarya in the AM and AV were distributed more homogenously and their number was slightly decreased in comparison to E60. The anterodorsal nucleus (AD) was devoid of CR-ir neurons in all studied stages. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that calretinin appears for the first time in neurons of various anterior thalamic nuclei of the guinea pig between 40th and 60th day of prenatal development.     

Immunoelectron microscopic study of γ-aminobutyric acid inputs to identified thalamocortical projection neurons in the anterior thalamus of the rat

 We have carried out a semi-quantitative ultrastructural study to determine the characteristics and distribution of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing constituents of the anterodorsal (AD) and anteroventral (AV) thalamic nuclei in adult rats. We used a polyclonal antibody to GABA and a postembedding immunogold detection method in animals in which the cortical projection neurons of these nuclei had been labelled by retrograde transport of cholera toxin/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injected into the retrosplenial granular cortex. Two types of GABA-immunopositive structures were identified, with gold particle densities 4–40 times higher than the highest densities over blood-vessel lumens and areas of empty resin: (1) an apparently homogeneous population of axon terminals with Gray type-2 (symmetric) synaptic contacts corresponding to F-axon terminals; and (2) small–medium sized myelinated axons scattered individually or in small groups within the neuropil which may be their parent axons. These axons and terminals may originate from the ipsilateral thalamic reticular nucleus; others may arise from the basal forebrain or brainstem. The GABA-immunopositive terminals comprised approximately 16% of all axon terminal profiles in AD and 12% in AV, a significant difference. However, because the immunoreactive axon terminals in AD were significantly larger than those in AV (1.09±0.47 μm² vs 0.90±0.43 μm²) and would therefore be encountered more frequently, it is not possible to conclude that the GABAergic innervation of AD is heavier than that of AV. The GABA-positive terminals established synaptic contacts with cell bodies and dendrites of all sizes (some of which were HRP-labelled) with the following frequency distribution (AD/AV, no significant difference): somata 5%/7%; large dendrites (≥1.5 μm) 14%/9%; medium dendrites (1.00–1.49 μm) 35%/45% and small dendrites (<1 μm) 46%/40%. Despite evidence from previous studies, we found no evidence in this study for the presence of GABAergic interneurons or for GABA-containing projection neurons in AD or AV. Received: 4 March 1998 / Accepted: 15 January 1999     

Neuronal localization of 5-HT type 2A receptor immunoreactivity in the rat basolateral amygdala

Although it is well established that there are alterations in type 2A 5-HT receptors (5-HT2ARs) in the basolateral nuclear complex of the amygdala (BLC) in several neuropsychiatric disorders, very little is known about the neuronal localization of these receptors in this brain region. Single-labeling and dual-labeling immunohistochemical techniques were utilized in the rat to address this question. Three different 5-HT2AR antibodies were used, each producing distinct but overlapping patterns of immunostaining. Two of three 5-HT2AR antibodies mainly stained pyramidal projection neurons in the BLC. The third antibody only stained pyramidal cells in the dorsolateral subdivision of the lateral amygdalar nucleus. With one of the antibodies, the most intensely stained neurons were a population of large nonpyramidal neurons whose morphology and distribution closely resembled those shown in previous studies to project to the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD). This was confirmed in the present study using a technique that combined 5-HT2AR immunohistochemistry with fluorogold retrograde tract-tracing. Two of three 5-HT2AR antibodies stained large numbers of parvalbumin-containing interneurons in the BLC. One of these two antibodies also stained a subpopulation of somatostatin-containing neurons. None of the 5-HT2AR antibodies stained significant numbers of the other two main interneuronal subpopulations, the large cholecystokinin-positive neurons or the small interneurons that exhibit extensive colocalization of calretinin and cholecystokinin. Since each of the three antibodies was raised against a distinct immunizing antigen, they may recognize different conformations of 5-HT2AR in different neuronal domains. The expression of 5-HT2ARs in pyramidal cells and parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the BLC is consistent with the results of previous electrophysiological studies, and suggests that 5-HT may produce excitation of several neuronal populations in the BLC via 5-HT2ARs.     

大鼠丘脑前核内海马下托复合体谷氨酸能传入终末与皮质投射神经元的突触联系

目的 探讨大鼠丘脑前核-海马下托复合体神经元环路的突触结构及谷氨酸分布特征.方法 应用HRP束路追踪结合包埋后胶体金免疫电镜技术.结果 在丘脑前核内,可见HRP顺行标记的海马下托复合体传入轴突终末,终末多为卵圆形,内含圆形透亮突触小泡和数个线粒体.其做为突触前成分与HRP标记的树突或非HRP标记的树突形成非对称性突触.在谷氨酸胶体金免疫反应切片上,胶体金颗粒标记胞体、树突、轴突终末等.HRP标记的轴突终末和一些非HRP标记的与突触后成分形成非对称性突触的轴突终末(Gray Ⅰ型)内,胶体金颗粒密度明显大于背景(胞体、树突、Gray Ⅱ型轴突终末等)的胶体金颗粒密度.其平均胶体金颗粒密度为突触后树突的3倍多,为对称性轴突终末(Gray Ⅱ型)的6倍多.在两张邻近的连续切片,γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)胶体金免疫反应切片上,GABA胶体金颗粒浓重标记Gray Ⅱ型轴突终末,背景标记极少;而非对称性轴突终末(Gray Ⅰ型)胶体金颗粒标记极弱.谷氨酸胶体金免疫反应切片上,Gray Ⅱ型轴突终末胶体金颗粒标记极弱.GABA阳性轴突终末与HRP标记的树突形成对称性突触,在同一树突上可见GABA能轴突终末形成的对称性突触和其他轴突终末形成的非对称性突触.结论 丘脑前核内来自海马下托复合体投射神经元的轴突终末是谷氨酸能的;来自海马下托复合体皮质投射神经元轴突终末,在丘脑前核与投射至海马下托皮质的神经元树突形成非对称性轴-树突触.     

Distribution of serotonin 5-hydroxytriptamine 1B (5-HT(1B)) receptors in the normal rat hypothalamus

This is the study first attempting to evaluate distribution of neurons expressing serotonin 5-hydroxytriptamine 1B (5-HT(1B)) receptors in hypothalamus by using immunocytochemistry. The 5-HT(1B)-immunoreactive neurons were widely distributed in hypothalamus. Accumulations of 5-HT(1B) neurons occurred in magnocellular nuclei, supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus (dorsolateral part) and accessory perifornical, circular and retrochiasmatic nuclei. Magnocellular neurons manifested an intense immunostaining suggesting a high level of 5-HT(1B) receptors. Large and middle-sized neurons with different 5-HT(1B) staining patterns were scattered throughout lateral hypothalamus, periventricular nucleus and lateral preoptic area. Immunofluorescent double-labeling revealed a great overlapping of the distribution 5-HT(1B) neurons and dense network of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive fibers in paraventricular, supraoptic and arcuate nuclei. The potential functional significance of 5-HT(1B) receptors in the 5-HT control of endocrine functions and feeding are discussed.     

Regional distribution of 5-HT transporters in the brain of wild type and `Purkinje cell degeneration' mutant mice: a quantitative autoradiographic study with [H]citalopram

The neurological mutant `Purkinje cell degeneration' (pcd) is characterized by a primary degeneration of Purkinje cells, as well as by retrograde and secondary partial degeneration of cerebellar granule cells and inferior olivary neurons, and can be considered as an animal model of human degenerative ataxias. The serotonin (5-HT) innervation was examined in wild type and pcd mice, by quantifying 5-HT uptake sites, or transporters, using [<sup>3</sup>H]citalopram binding autoradiography. In both wild type and pcd mutants, the highest densities of 5-HT transporters were in mesencephalic and rostral pontine regions, in limbic structures, in hypothalamus and in discrete thalamic divisions, while the lowest labelling was found in cerebellum and brainstem reticular formation. In pcd mice, although [<sup>3</sup>H]citalopram labelling was higher in cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei, when binding densities were corrected for surface area, the up-regulation of 5-HT transporters was present only in deep cerebellar nuclei. Also, higher labelling was found in nuclei raphe dorsalis and medialis, in ventral divisions of rostral neostriatum, caudal neostriatum, rostral globus pallidus, posteromedial amygdaloid nucleus, septum, olfactory tubercles, vertical limb of Broca's diagonal band, periventricular, latero-ventral and medio-ventral thalamic nuclei, medial geniculate nucleus, anterior hypothalamus and entorhinal cortex. The results indicate a relative integrity of the 5-HT innervation, but with a reorganization of serotoninergic terminals in the cerebellum, in particular in the deep cerebellar nuclei. This suggests that in progressive cerebellar degeneration, as found in the pcd mutant, the modified 5-HT system may still participate in motor functions by exerting an overall modulation of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission, but the availability of 5-HT may be altered in defined brain targets, as is the case for other spontaneous cerebellar mutants, in particular for the `Lurcher' mutant mouse, a model of human olivopontocerebellar atrophy.