Motoko Goto

Immunohistochemical study on the localization of serotonin fibers and terminals in the spinal cord of the monkey (Macaca fuscata)

SummaryA modified procedure of PAP-immunohistochemistry with the use of a rabbit antiserum against serotonin was applied to investigate the pattern of serotonin-containing nerve fibers in the spinal cord of the monkey, Macaca fuscata.The majority of descending serotonin fibers in the white matter is located immediately below the pia mater in the ventrolateral funiculi. Lamina I and the outer zone of lamina II are supplied with numerous serotonin fibers. In the intermediate gray, two prominent bundles composed of longitudinal fibers, i.e., lateral and medial longitudinal serotonin bundles, were recognized at the lateral column and in the vicinity of the central canal, respectively. The motoneurons of the anterior horn are encompassed by fine networks of serotonin fibers and terminals.The results obtained from studies with the monkey spinal cord closely resemble those characteristic of the dog spinal cord as presented in a previous paper, except for portions of the lumbar level. In segments L3–L4, intercalated cell groups between the medial and lateral motor nuclei receive particularly rich inputs of serotonin fibers in the same manner as the neurons of the nucleus intermediolateralis. This peculiar finding may suggest the presence of a specialized nucleus in the anterior column of the simian and also human spinal cord.

Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of serotonin fibers in the spinal cord of the dog.

SummaryDistribution of serotonin fibers in the spinal cord of the dog was investigated by means of a modified PAP method; a rabbit anti-serotonin serum prepared in the laboratory of the authors was used in this study. Serotonin fibers were revealed as PAP-positive dark-brown elements displaying dot-like varicosities (0.5–2.0 μm in diameter). In the spinal cord of the dog, the distribution of serotonin fibers is extensive. These fibers occur more densely in more caudal segments and are most prominent at the sacrococcygeal level. From the level of the cervical spinal cord to the upper lumbar region, the descending serotonin fibers are located immediately under the pia mater in the ventrolateral portion of the lateral funiculus. In more caudal segments, serotonin fibers are dispersed throughout the ventral and lateral funiculi. These longitudinal en passage-fibers send numerous transverse collaterals to the gray matter. Serotonin fibers are distributed abundantly in the laminae I and III of the posterior column, while only a few fibers are found in the lamina II (substantia gelatinosa). In the intermediate zone, two descending serotonin pathways, i.e., lateral and medial longitudinal bundles, are observed to coincide topographically with the nucleus intermediolateralis at C8(T1)-L3(L4) and the nucleus intermediomedialis at C1-Co respectively. The former is particularly prominent and communicates with the contralateral bundle via commissural bundles at intervals of 300–500 μm. The large motoneurons in the anterior column, especially those in the nucleus myorabdoticus lateralis within the cervical and lumbar enlargements, are closely surrounded by fine networks of serotonin fibers and terminals.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of serotonin-containing CSF-contacting neurons in the submammalian paraventricular organ

SummaryThe distribution and morphological aspects of the serotonin-containing neurons in the paraventricular organ of the carp, frog, turtle and chicken were studied by means of an immunoperoxidase technique using serotonin antiserum. In all species the serotonin-containing neurons were seen to have the appearance of the CSF-contacting neurons and to be distributed in the pars ependymalis and the pars hypendymalis of the organ. Particularly, in the frog, the serotonin-containing CSF-contacting neurons, mostly bipolar in shape, were also observed in the pars distalis. Their proximal processes protruded into the ventricular lumen through the ependymal layer with a globular- and triangular-shape. The distal processes projected ependymofugally to the pars distalis and formed a fine plexus in the neuropil of this part. The density of the serotonin fibers in the pars distalis was greater in the carp than in the other species.

Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of serotonin-containing cell bodies in the brain stem of the dog.

The distribution of serotonin-containing neurons in the brain of the dog was studied by use of PAP immunohistochemistry. The lower brain stem was endowed with extensively scattered serotonergic cell bodies, a large portion of which was located in the raphe nuclei. At the same time, prominent distribution of serotonergic neurons in lateral areas outside the raphe nuclei was also demonstrated. Our observations on the brain stem were, in principle, consistent with those on rats, cats and monkeys, with only minor differences.

Immunohistochemical studies on the serotonergic innervation of the pia mater

SummaryThe direct innervation of the pial blood vessels by serotonin neurons has been demonstrated with a modified peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique in the mammalian central nervous system. The pia mater covering the ventrolateral surface of the medulla oblongata is innervated by numerous varicose serotonin fibers originating from the serotonin neurons of the lower brainstem. Scattered serotonin fibers were observed in the pia mater in every part of the brain and spinal cord.

Ontogenesis of the central serotonin neuron system of the rat — An immunohistochemical study

The peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was used to study the ontogenesis of serotonin-containing neurons in fetal, neonatal and adult rats. Serotonin-containing neurons were first detected in a rat embryo of crown-rump length (CRL) 5 mm, bilaterally distributed in the ventral metencephalon near the isthmus rhombencephali. Serotonin fibers were first detected in CRL 6 mm embryos. There was a rapid increase in serotonin-immunoreactive neurons of embryos of 7-8 mm CRL. Serotonin neurons appeared initially as independent, bilateral groups of neurons, but as early as CRL 16 mm, the adult mid-line distribution was present, while the neurons that occurred as single groups in the adult already existed as single groups or at least were only partially connected across the mid-line. A continuous distribution of serotonin neurons was observed in the mesencephalic and pontine reticular formation from CRL 13 mm to the adult stage. It is suggested that the rapid increase in serotonin neurons at 7 and 8 mm CRL is associated with the completion of mitosis which occurs at this time.