Thalamic origin of neuropeptide Y innervation of the accessory optic nucleus of the pigeon (Columba livia)
- 1 September 1990
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Visual Neuroscience
- Vol. 5 (3), 249-259
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0952523800000328
Abstract
Immunohistochemical and tracing techniques were used in combination to reveal the source of a neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive (NPY-LI) plexus in the nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR) of the pigeon accessory optic system. Injections of rhodamine-labeled latex microspheres into nBOR produced retrograde labeling of a population of neurons interposed between the principal optic nucleus of the dorsolateral thalamus (equivalent to the mammalian dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus) and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. The retrogradely labeled neurons were distributed mainly in the immediate vicinity of the lateral, dorsal, and ventral aspects of the nucleus rotundus. Immunohistochemical methods revealed many NPY-containing somata within the same intergeniculate thalamic area. Double-labeling immunohistochemical and retrograde tracing experiments evidenced that many NPY-LI neurons in the intergeniculate area contained rhodamine microspheres that had been previously injected into the ipsilateral nBOR. The projection of that general thalamic area to the nBOR was then confirmed by means of anterograde transport of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin. In these experiments, the intergeniculate region was demonstrated to project to all divisions of the nBOR and to every other retino-recipient structure, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Finally, electrolytic lesions of the intergeniculate area produced a dramatic reduction in the number of NPY-LI axons and terminals within the ipsilateral nBOR and also within other retino-recipient structures. These data indicate the existence of a thalamic NPY-LI projection to the pigeon nBOR of the accessory optic system. This chemically specific projection originates from the intergeniculate area, which was shown in this study to project to all other retino-recipient structures. Thus, NPY may have a role in the functional organization of the accessory optic system and also of the avian visual system as a whole.Keywords
This publication has 67 references indexed in Scilit:
- Catecholaminergic subpopulation of retinal displaced ganglion cells projects to the accessory optic nucleus in the pigeon (Columba livia)Journal of Comparative Neurology, 1988
- Nonretinal projections to the medial terminal accessory optic nucleus in rabbit and rat: A retrograde and anterograde transport studyJournal of Comparative Neurology, 1988
- Neuropeptide Y alters monoamine turnover in the rat brainNeuroscience Letters, 1987
- Bifurcating axons of retinal ganglion cells terminate in the hypothalamic suppachiasmatic nucleus and the intergeniculate leaflet of the thalamusNeuroscience Letters, 1985
- Accessory Optic System and Pretectum of Birds: Comparisons with those of other VertebratesBrain, Behavior and Evolution, 1985
- Pretectal and Accessory-Optic Visual Nuclei of Fish, Amphibia and Reptiles: Theme and VariationsBrain, Behavior and Evolution, 1985
- Neuroreptide Y: Stimulation of feeding and drinking by injection into the paraventricular nucleusLife Sciences, 1984
- Neuropeptide Y: Cerebrovascular innervation an vasomotor effects in the catNeuroscience Letters, 1983
- A pretectal projection upon the accessory optic nucleus in the pigeon: An anatomical and electrophysiological studyNeuroscience Letters, 1983
- ORGANIZATION OF THE AVIAN ACCESSORY OPTIC SYSTEM*Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1981