The calcitonin gene-related peptide-containing fiber projection from the hypothalamus to the lateral septal area including its fine structures

The afferent source of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRPI) fibers in the lateral septal area of the rat was sought by using indirect immunofluorescence technique. These fibers decreased markedly on the operated side after the destruction of the area between the anterior hypothalamic nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus where a number of CGRPI cells. We also examined the fine structure of CGRPI fibers in the lateral septal area. Many CGRPI fibers forming axosomatic synapses were identified. These facts strongly suggest that CGRPI cells in the area between the anterior hypothalamic nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus project ipsilaterally to the lateral septal area and directly influence the soma there.