The origin of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers in the regions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis of the rat

The simultaneous use of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry and tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH) immunocytochemistry permitted demonstration of the existence of a dense catecholaminergic network surrounding cholinergic neurons within the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) of the rat. The origin of this catecholaminergic network was investigated by combining T-OH immunocytochemistry with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde labelling using a slow release gel, unilaterally implanted in the area of the NBM. Retrogradely transported HRP was detected in some of the aminergic cell groups of the substantia nigra (A9) and locus coeruleus (A6). In these areas, approximately 1% of the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons were retrogradely labelled with HRP. In the substantia nigra, dually labelled neurons were found predominantly in the pars lateralis.