1
|
Abstract
Electrophysiological oscillations are thought to create temporal windows of communication between brain regions. We show here that human cortical slices maintained in vitro can generate oscillations similar to those observed in vivo. We have characterized these oscillations using local field potential and whole-cell recordings obtained from neocortical slices acquired during epilepsy surgery. We confirmed that such neocortical slices maintain the necessary cellular and circuitry components, and in particular inhibitory mechanisms, to manifest oscillatory activity when exposed to glutamatergic and cholinergic agonists. The generation of oscillations was dependent on intact synaptic activity and muscarinic receptors. Such oscillations differed in electrographic and pharmacological properties from epileptiform activity. Two types of activity, theta oscillations and high gamma activity, uniquely characterized this model-activity not typically observed in animal cortical slices. We observed theta oscillations to be synchronous across cortical laminae suggesting a novel role of theta as a substrate for interlaminar communication. As well, we observed cross-frequency coupling (CFC) between theta phase and high gamma amplitude similar to that observed in vivo. The high gamma "bursts" generated by such CFC varied in their frequency content, suggesting that this variability may underlie the broadband nature of high gamma activity.
Collapse
|
2
|
The striatopallidal fiber system in primates. ADVANCES IN NEUROLOGY 1997; 74:19-29. [PMID: 9348399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
3
|
Abstract
In the late 1980s, a functional and anatomical model of basal ganglia organization was proposed in order to explain the clinical syndrome of Parkinson's disease. According to this model, the pathological overactivity observed in the subthalamic nucleus and the output station of the basal ganglia plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the motor signs of Parkinson's disease. The hyperactivity of subthalamic neurons in Parkinsonism is viewed as a direct consequence of a pathological hypoactivity of the external segment of the pallidum. This article reviews recent data from different experimental approaches that challenge the established model of basal ganglia organization by reinterpreting the functional interaction between the external segment of the pallidum and the subthalamic nucleus in both the normal and pathological state. Indeed, recent neurobiochemical studies have rather unexpectedly shown that the GABAergic and metabolic activities of the external pallidum are not decreased in human and non-human primates with Parkinsonism. This absence of any decrease in activity might be explained by the functionally antagonistic influences of the striatal and subthalamic afferences within the external pallidum, as suggested by several anatomical studies. In addition, there are clues from electrophysiological studies to suggest that the hyperactivity found in the subthalamic neurons in Parkinsonism may not depend solely on the level of activity in the external pallidum. In such a framework, the hyperactivity of the subthalamic neurons would have to be explained, at least in part, by other sources of excitation or disinhibition. However, any explanation for the origin of the subthalamic overactivity in Parkinsonism remains speculative.
Collapse
|
4
|
Distribution and neurochemical character of substance P receptor (SPR)-immunoreactive striatal neurons of the macaque monkey: accumulation of SP fibers and SPR neurons and dendrites in "striocapsules" encircling striosomes. J Comp Neurol 1996; 369:137-49. [PMID: 8723708 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(19960520)369:1<137::aid-cne10>3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The striatal distribution of the substance P receptor (SPR) protein was examined in relation to its ligand, the neuro-peptide SP, as well as to the neurochemical and compartmental composition of the neostriatum in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in immunohistochemical experiments. About 2% of striatal neurons, displaying varicose, virtually spine-free dendrites characteristic of large and medium-sized aspiny interneurons, expressed SPR immunoreactivity. SPR/choline acetyltransferase, SPR/somatostatin, SPR/GABA, SPR/calbindin D28k, and SPR/parvalbumin double immunolabeling experiments demonstrated that SPR-positive cells are either cholinergic or somatostatinergic. Comparison of SP and SPR immunoreactivities in double-labeled and adjacent single-labeled sections revealed compartment-specific match and mismatch between the densities of the peptide and receptor. A matching high density of SP fibers and SPR cells and dendrites was only observed in the rim of the striosome compartments. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for an anatomical border comprised of dendritic processes that separate striatal compartments. We have termed these zones "striocapsules," because they encircle and encapsulate striosomal cell islands. In the striatal matrix, an abundance of SPR-labeled profiles was complemented with light SP staining. By contrast, in the core of the striosomes, SPR labeling was sparse and SP staining intense. SP-positive axon-like puncta frequently contacted SPR-positive dendrites in all striatal compartments. The SP receptor/ligand match indicates a sharp increase in the efficacy of SP action in the striocapsules, and suggests that the influence of SP might be heightened in this striatal subcompartment.
Collapse
|
5
|
The thalamic reticular nucleus does not send commissural projection to the contralateral parafascicular nucleus in the rat. Brain Res 1995; 679:123-34. [PMID: 7648254 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(95)00223-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The reticular nucleus of the thalamus (NRT) projects to virtually all thalamic nuclei ipsilaterally. In addition, recent studies suggest that NRT sends contralateral projections through an intrathalamic commissural fiber system to several thalamic nuclei, including the NRT itself. In the present study we used retrograde cell labeling, multi-unit anterograde labeling and immunohistochemical methods to study both ipsi- and contralateral NRT projection to the parafascicular nucleus (Pf) in the rat. Injections of the fluorescent tracers true blue or fluorogold in Pf led to massive retrograde cell labeling in rostral and dorsal portions of the ipsilateral NRT, whereas the same sectors of the contralateral NRT were devoid of labeling. Some retrogradely labeled cells were nevertheless present on the contralateral side in the borderline region between NRT and the zona incerta (ZI). Retrograde cell labeling experiments with cholera toxin B subunit (CTb) combined to immunohistochemistry for parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D-28k (CB) indicated that the few retrogradely labeled cells encountered at the border between NRT and ZI displayed immunoreactivity for CB but not for PV. Since PV and CB label neurons belonging to NRT and ZI, respectively, it is concluded that these contralateral retrogradely labeled cells belong to ZI and not to NRT. Multi-unit cell anterograde labeling experiments with biocytin showed that NRT cells that project to Pf arborize extensively only on the ipsilateral side. The same approach, however, has revealed NRT cells projecting to both ipsi- and contralateral ventromedial thalamic nuclei. The axon of these NRT neurons arborizes more profusely ipsilaterally than contralaterally. These results reveal that the NRT projection to Pf in rodents is strictly unilateral. These findings are at variance with the emerging concept that NRT exerts a prominent bilateral influence upon most thalamic nuclei.
Collapse
|
6
|
Functional anatomy of the basal ganglia. II. The place of subthalamic nucleus and external pallidum in basal ganglia circuitry. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 1995; 20:128-154. [PMID: 7711765 DOI: 10.1016/0165-0173(94)00008-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 955] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus and the external pallidum (GPe) are classically viewed as part of the so-called indirect pathway, which acts in concert with the direct pathway. The direct and indirect pathways form the conceptual framework of the anatomical and functional organization of the basal ganglia. A review of recent data regarding the connections of the subthalamic nucleus and the GPe has revealed a lack of firm anatomical support for the existence of the indirect pathway. However, newly recognized projections of the subthalamic nucleus and the GPe place these structures on various novel routes that change the conceptual architecture of the basal ganglia circuitry. These new findings force us to modify our view of the functional identity of the subthalamic nucleus and the GPe. In this new perspective, the GPe stands as an additional integrative station, together with the striatum and the internal pallidum and substantia nigra pars reticulata (GPi/SNr), along the main steam of information processing within the basal ganglia circuitry. Because of its crucial position between the input and output stations of the basal ganglia, the GPe can markedly influence the neuronal computation that occurs at GPi/SNr levels. The subthalamic nucleus can still be regarded as a 'control structure' lying alongside the main stream of information processing. However, because of its widespread efferent projections, the subthalamic nucleus exerts its driving effect on most components of the basal ganglia. Its action is mediated not only by the indirect pathway, but by a multitude of mono- and polysynaptic projections that ultimately reach the basal ganglia output cells.
Collapse
|
7
|
Functional anatomy of the basal ganglia. I. The cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 1995; 20:91-127. [PMID: 7711769 DOI: 10.1016/0165-0173(94)00007-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1474] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews some of the recent findings on different aspects of the anatomical organization of the basal ganglia. Attempts have been made to delineate the anatomical substrate of information processing along the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop. Emphasis has been placed on data obtained with highly sensitive anterograde tract-tracing methods applied to the study of the main axis of the loop, which is composed of the striatum, the pallidum, and the substantia nigra. These findings have highlighted the complexities of the organization of the intrinsic basal ganglia circuitry, which comprises multiple modular units that are distributed according to highly ordered and repetitive patterns. Such an arrangement is well suited to convey cortical information in a highly specific manner throughout the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia circuitry is also designed so as to modulate in a precise manner the neuronal activity of several brain functional systems, which are involved in the direct control of different aspects of psychomotor behavior. Of utmost importance is the action of the basal ganglia on thalamocortical premotor neurons. It is through these neurons, which can be considered as a sort of final common pathway, that the basal ganglia ultimately influence the complex neuronal computation that goes on at cortical level.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
The pattern of arborization of the striatonigral fibers in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) was studied with Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) and biocytin as anterograde tracers. Single, small injections of PHA-L or biocytin in either the caudate nucleus or the putamen give rise to at least four distinct, nonoverlapping but interconnected fiber plexuses that are distributed throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) according to a strikingly precise and constant sequence. These plexuses, which comprise numerous fibers that closely entwine unlabeled dendrites of SNr neurons (woolly fibers), often lie at the base of dopaminergic cell columns of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Long and varicose fibers emerge dorsally from SNr plexuses and climb along the ventrally oriented dendrites of dopaminergic SNc neurons, as visualized with tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. These fibers appear to contact en passant both dendrites and cell bodies of dopaminergic neurons belonging to the ventral tier of SNc. Anterograde double-labeling experiments involving small deposits of PHA-L and biocytin in adjacent areas of the caudate nucleus and the putamen reveal that neighboring striatonigral cell populations form two distinct sets of terminal plexuses that remain well segregated throughout SNr. Plexuses from the two sources interdigitate in some parts of SNr, but never intermix. Furthermore, the woolly fibers in these plexuses are composed exclusively of either PHA-L- or biocytin-labeled elements; none of them display both types of labeling. These results reveal that the striatonigral projection in primates is highly divergent and that the striatum has multiple representations at nigral levels. They also indicate that striatal information is conveyed to the substantia nigra in a highly ordered fashion through multiple segregated channels.
Collapse
|
9
|
|
10
|
Abstract
Recent studies with double-anterograde tract-tracing methods have shed new light on the organization of the basal ganglia circuitry in primates. This paper briefly reviews some of these findings and provides a personal interpretation of their possible functional significance. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus have multiple representations in the two major output structures of the basal ganglia, namely the internal segment of the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. It is hypothesized that this multiple representation serves as a means of amplifying and diversifying the striatal and subthalamic influences upon thalamocortical neurons that is mediated through the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra. Furthermore, evidence for the highly ordered organization of the striatopallidal and subthalamopallidal projections, which converge onto single pallidal neurons according to different but highly specific patterns, is taken as an indication that the subthalamic nucleus uniformly excites a vast collection of pallidal neurons, whereas the striatum exerts a more specific inhibitory control upon selected subsets of subthalamically driven pallidal neurons.
Collapse
|
11
|
Striatal and subthalamic afferents to the primate pallidum: interactions between two opposite chemospecific neuronal systems. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1993; 99:89-104. [PMID: 7509082 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)61340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
12
|
Differential patterns of arborization of striatal and subthalamic fibers in the two pallidal segments in primates. Brain Res 1992; 598:311-5. [PMID: 1486492 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(92)90199-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Double-anterograde tract-tracing experiments in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) reveal that fibers from the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus converge onto the same neurons in both the external (GPe) and internal (GPi) segments of the globus pallidus. However, these two pallidal afferents arborize according to a different pattern in GPe and GPi. Whereas the striatal fibers closely entwined the distal dendrites of pallidal neurons in a similar fashion in both pallidal segments, the subthalamic fibers display a tight pericellular arrangement that is much more obvious in GPi than in GPe. This perisomatic arborization is similar to the pericellular contacts made by the GPe fibers terminating on GPi neurons. Such a resemblance suggests that these two types of afferents exert an opposite effect upon the cell body and proximal dendrites of GPi neurons. It also raises the possibility for striatal neurons to influence the same GPi neuron by acting directly on its distal dendrites and indirectly on its cell body via a relay in GPe.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The striatopallidal projection in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) was studied with two highly sensitive anterograde tracers, the lectin Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) and biocytin. After small PHA-L injections into various sectors of the striatum, the striatopallidal projection was found to display a very precise topographical organization. Fibers from the head of the caudate nucleus emerge as several distinct fascicles that penetrate the dorsal portion of the pallidum at various points along its rostrocaudal extent. Each fascicle arborizes into the dorsal third of the pallidum as dense plexuses composed of numerous fibers that closely entwined the dendrites of pallidal neurons, hence forming typical 'woolly' fiber arrangements. In contrast, fibers from the postcommissural putamen emerge as a few compact bundles that reach the pallidum through its lateral surface. In the pallidum, thin fibers detach themselves from these compact bundles, sweep caudally, and arborize in the form of narrow and elongated bands aligned parallel to the medullary laminae. Each band appears composed of numerous, thin and weakly varicose fibers that make only en passant type of contact with pallidal cell bodies rostrally, but form a dense field of woolly fibers caudally. In cases in which two PHA-L injections were made at two different rostrocaudal levels in the putamen, two rostrocaudally distant fields of woolly fibers, separated one another by thin varicose fibers, occur in each band. Furthermore, each PHA-L injection site in the striatum gives rise to at least two bands in each pallidal segment, indicating that the primate striatum has a dual representation at pallidal level. Finally, injections of PHA-L and biocytin into two small and mediolaterally adjacent areas of the postcommissural putamen lead to the formation of two clearly distinguishable sets of bands in each pallidal segment. Even though they lie very close to one another these two types of bands never really overlap. This experiment shows that, in contrast to previous beliefs, axons of striatal neurons from two small adjacent populations do not converge upon the same pallidal neurons but instead project to several distinct subsets of pallidal neurons. The findings of the present study reveal that the striatopallidal projection system in primates is highly ordered and displays a high degree of specificity with respect to its target sites in the pallidum. Different anatomical strategies are used to maximally exploit the relatively small pallidal space and ensure that the finely tuned corticostriatal information is not blurred as it flows through the funnel-shaped pallidum.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Large injections of the anterograde tracer biocytin in the deep nuclei of the cerebellum of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) led to a massive labeling of the superior cerebellar peduncle fibers which could be followed up to their major termination site in the thalamus. Along their course through the brainstem, biocytin-labeled fibers emitted fine collaterals that arborized profusely within the entire rostrocaudal extent of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). These fibers were long, slightly varicose, and broke off into numerous shorter and thinner fibers whose terminal portions consisted of a few large varicosities that were often closely apposed to dendrites and cell bodies of PPN neurons. Some PPN cells that were contacted displayed immunoreactivity for choline acetyltransferase. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that synapses formed by cerebellar fibers in PPN were of the asymmetric type and occurred predominantly on dendrites of PPN neurons. Thus, beside the well established cerebellothalamic projection, our findings reveal the existence of a cerebellotegmental projection, whereby the cerebellum may influence the basal ganglia and/or the thalamus via a relay in PPN.
Collapse
|
15
|
Convergence of subthalamic and striatal efferents at pallidal level in primates: an anterograde double-labeling study with biocytin and PHA-L. Brain Res 1992; 569:336-40. [PMID: 1371710 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(92)90648-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Small injections of two highly sensitive anterograde tracers, Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) and biocytin, into the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) have revealed a high degree of convergence of striatal and subthalamic fibers upon single pallidal cells. Both afferent systems formed highly complex band-like patterns that were largely in register with one another. At single cell level, the somata of pallidal neurons were closely surrounded by subthalamic terminal varicosities, whereas the dendrites were entwined mostly by striatal fibers. Typically, a subthalamopallidal fiber coursed in a caudorostral direction and arborized according to a uniform pattern along its trajectory in the pallidum. Numerous thin and markedly varicose axon collaterals detached themselves at right angle from the main subthalamopallidal fiber. These highly branched collaterals were mostly oriented along the mediolateral plane and entwined rather loosely the dendrites but surrounded very closely the somata of pallidal neurons. In contrast, a striatopallidal fiber travelled in a rostrocaudal direction. Its initial segment made only en passant contacts with pallidal cell bodies, whereas its distal end closely entwined the dendrites of pallidal neurons, forming arrangements similar to 'woolly' type fibers. These results suggest that a single subthalamic fiber may influence a rather large collection of pallidal neurons in a similar fashion, compared to the striatal input which appears to exert a more specific control upon selected sets of the same pallidal neurons.
Collapse
|
16
|
Contralateral pallidothalamic and pallidotegmental projections in primates: an anterograde and retrograde labeling study. Brain Res 1991; 567:212-23. [PMID: 1817727 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(91)90798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Unilateral injections of the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) in the internal segment of the pallidum (GPi) of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) led to anterograde labeling of fibers ipsilaterally in the following thalamic nuclei: ventral anterior (VA), ventral lateral (VL), centromedian (CM), and lateral habenula (Hbl). The labeled fibers reached these ipsilateral thalamic nuclei by coursing along or through the ansa lenticularis, the lenticular and thalamic fasciculi, and the Forel's fields. They arborized profusely in VA/VL nuclei where they displayed small glomerule-like formations. Numerous labeled fibers also occurred in the CM. Most of them were long, varicose and gave rise to shorter fibers that formed a dense terminal field covering a large portion of the CM. A small but dense terminal field composed of delicate fibers and extremely fine terminals was noted in the Hbl. A large contingent of labeled fibers were seen to cross the midline, principally at the rostral pole of the CM and in the supramammillary decussation, to reach the contralateral thalamus where they arborized profusely in the VA/VL and CM nuclei, but not in the Hbl. The patterns of termination of these contralateral pallidothalamic fibers were strikingly similar to those observed ipsilaterally. Other anterogradely labeled fibers were also noted bilaterally in the pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) and ipsilaterally in the external segment of the pallidum (GPe) and in the putamen. Complementary, double-labeling, retrograde studies involving the injection of nuclear yellow in the VA/VL and CM nuclei and Fast blue in the TPP, confirmed the existence of contralateral pallidothalamic and pallidotegmental projections. The number of retrogradely labeled cells in the contralateral GPi amounted approximately to 10-20% that in the ipsilateral GPi. These experiments further indicated that contralaterally projecting pallidothalamic neurons exhibited a high degree of axonal collateralization, the majority of its neurons projecting also to the contralateral TPP. Cells retrogradely labeled with the tracer injected into the thalamus were also encountered bilaterally in the thalamic reticular nucleus. Taken together, the results of these anterograde and retrograde investigations indicate that the contralateral pallidothalamic projection involves a relatively small population of GPi neurons, but that these neurons arborize extensively in their contralateral thalamic targets. Furthermore, the presence of retrogradely labeled cells in the ipsi- and contralateral reticular thalamic nucleus indicates that the VA/VL and CM nuclei, which receive a massive input from the GPi, are under the bilateral influence of this perithalamic nucleus. Such contralateral projections could play a major role in the subcortical organization of the bilateral aspect of normal basal ganglia function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Small injections of biocytin in the external segment of the pallidum (GPe) of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) led to anterograde labeling of fibers in the thalamic reticular nucleus (NRT). These fibers reached NRT by coursing along the ventral tip of the internal capsule or by directly piercing the internal capsule more dorsally. They arborized profusely within the entire rostrocaudal extent of the nucleus. Within NRT, biocytin-labeled fibers were long, slightly varicosed, and emitted numerous short collaterals whose terminal portions consisted of clusters of large varicosities. Some of these varicosities were closely apposed to cell bodies and proximal dendrites of NRT neurons. Small injections of wheat germ-agglutinated horseradish peroxidase in the rostral pole of NRT led to retrograde cell labeling within the entire rostrocaudal extent of GPe. These retrogradely-labeled cells did not display immunoreactivity for choline acetyltransferase. Hence, beside the well-established projection from the internal pallidum to the thalamus, our findings support the existence of another pallidothalamic projection whereby GPe neurons could exert a powerful influence upon the thalamocortical neurons via a relay in NRT.
Collapse
|
18
|
Substantia nigra pars reticulata projects to the reticular thalamic nucleus of the cat: a morphological and electrophysiological study. Brain Res 1990; 535:139-46. [PMID: 1705469 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)91832-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The projections of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) toward the reticular (RE) thalamic complex of cat were studied morphologically and electrophysiologically. Numerous SNr cells were retrogradely labeled following injections of horseradish peroxidase conjugated to wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) in the rostral and rostrolateral part of the RE thalamic nucleus. Iontophoretic injections of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) in the SNr confirmed that this retrograde labeling was not a consequence of tracer diffusion in neighboring structures, but reflected a genuine SNr projection to the RE thalamic nucleus. Indeed, widely branched and varicose PHA-L-positive fibers were found in the rostral and rostrolateral pole of the RE thalamic nucleus following PHA-L injections in the SNr. Furthermore, in agreement with previous data indicating that nigrothalamic cells are GABAergic, electrical stimulation of the SNr evoked a short-latency inhibitory effect acting on both spontaneous and cortically-evoked discharges of most RE thalamic neurons. These results are discussed in light of the possible role of the SNr and RE thalamic complex in attentional processes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Evidence for interconnections between the two segments of the globus pallidus in primates: a PHA-L anterograde tracing study. Brain Res 1990; 533:171-5. [PMID: 2085730 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)91813-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Small injections of the lectin Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) in the external segment of the pallidum (GPe) in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) led to anterograde labeling of fibers in the internal segment of the pallidum (GPi). These fibers formed numerous large varicosities reminiscent of terminal boutons, which closely surrounded GPi cell bodies and primary dendrites. Conversely, PHA-L injections in the GPi of squirrel monkeys produced anterograde fiber labeling in the GPe. However, in contrast to fibers in GPi, those in GPe did not make prominent pericellular contacts. Instead, they displayed a rather linear course, had long intervaricose segments, and appeared to contact several GPe neurons along their course by close appositions on cell bodies and primary dendrites. These results suggest the existence of a reciprocal connection between the two pallidal segments, which may play a crucial role in the functional organization of the basal ganglia in primates.
Collapse
|
20
|
Efferent projections of the subthalamic nucleus in the squirrel monkey as studied by the PHA-L anterograde tracing method. J Comp Neurol 1990; 294:306-23. [PMID: 2332533 DOI: 10.1002/cne.902940213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The organization of the efferent connections of the subthalamic nucleus was studied in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) by using the lectin Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) as an anterograde tracer. At the level of the basal forebrain, anterogradely labeled fibers and axon terminals were mostly found in the striatopallidal complex and the substantia innominata. In cases in which the PHA-L injection sites were placed in the central or the lateral third of the subthalamic nucleus, numerous anterogradely labeled fibers were seen to arise from the injection loci and innervate massively the globus pallidus. At pallidal levels the fibers formed bands lying parallel and adjacent to the medullary laminae. The number and the complexity of the topographical organization of these bands varied with the size and the location of the PHA-L injection site. When examined at a higher magnification, the bands of subthalamopallidal fibers appeared as rich plexuses of short axon collaterals with small bulbous enlargements that closely surrounded the cell bodies and primary dendrites of pallidal cells. In contrast, PHA-L injection involving the medial tip of the subthalamic nucleus did not produce bandlike fiber patterns in the globus pallidus. Instead, the labeled fibers formed a diffuse plexus occupying the ventral part of the rostral pole of the globus pallidus as well as the subcommissural pallidal region. The substantia innominata contained a moderate number of labeled fibers and axon terminals following injection of PHA-L in the medial tip of the subthalamic nucleus. A small to moderate number of anterogradely labeled fibers were seen in the putamen after all PHA-L injections. These subthalamostriatal fibers were long, linear, and branched infrequently. At midbrain level the substantia nigra contained a significant number of anterogradely labeled fibers and axon terminals following PHA-L injection in the subthalamic nucleus. The subthalamonigral fibers descended along the ventromedial part of the cerebral peduncle and swept laterally to reach their target. Most of these fibers formed small plexuses along the base of the pars reticulata, whereas a few others ascended along the cell columns of the pars compacta that impinged deeply within the pars reticulata. More caudally in the brainstem, a small number of fibers occurred in the area of the pedunculopontine nucleus and in the periaqueductal gray. These findings indicate that besides its well-known connection with the pallidum, the subthalamic nucleus gives rise to widespread projections to other components of the basal ganglia in primates.
Collapse
|