Mapping and ultrastructure of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons in the optic lobes of three insect species
- 8 February 1985
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Comparative Neurology
- Vol. 232 (2), 190-204
- https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.902320205
Abstract
With antibodies to serotonin (5‐HT) we have mapped immunoreactive neurons in the optic lobes of three insect species, the blowfly Calliphora, the desert ant Cataglyphis, and the worker bee Apis. The main emphasis in this investigation is on a system of 5‐HT‐positive neurons connecting the most peripheral neuropil of the optic lobes, the lamina, to more central neuropil regions. To aid in electron microscopical identification of these neurons we used immunocytochemistry at the EM‐level and Golgi‐EM for Calliphora and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labelling for the other two insects. The immunoreactive terminals in Calliphora and the HRP‐labelled ones in the other insects contain large (c. 100 nm) granular vesicles and smaller (c.60 nm) clear vesicles. In Cataglyphis and Apis the profiles with granular vesicles are presynaptic to second order neurons of the lamina, whereas in Calliphora no synaptic contacts were found. In this animal the 5‐HT‐positive terminals are situated distal in the synaptic layer of the lamina, in a region of retinal photoreceptor axons and perikarya of the lamina monopolar neurons. In Catagylphis and Apis the interactions of the 5‐HT‐neurons with the laminar neurons might occur through chemical synapses, whereas in Calliphora neuroactive substance could be released non‐synaptically from varicosities distal to the synaptic layer. The possible involvement of 5‐HT in control of neuronal activity in the optic lobes is discussed.Keywords
This publication has 68 references indexed in Scilit:
- Serotonin‐immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the honeybeeJournal of Comparative Neurology, 1984
- Serotonin immunoreactive neurons in the central nervous system of an insect (Periplaneta americana)Journal of Neurobiology, 1983
- The fine structure of neuroglia in the lamina ganglionaris of the housefly,Musca domestica L.Journal of Neurocytology, 1983
- Immunohistochemical and quantitative analysis of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the retina of some vertebratesNeurochemistry International, 1982
- Ultrastructural demonstration of noradrenergic synapses in the rat central nervous system by dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunocytochemistry.Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry, 1981
- Transneuronal labeling with horseradish peroxidase in the visual system of the house flyBrain Research, 1981
- NervousVersusNeurohormonal Control of Insect HeartbeatAmerican Zoologist, 1979
- Efferent Optic Nerve Fibers Mediate Circadian Rhythms in the Limulus EyeScience, 1977
- The assumed participation of 5-hydroxytryptamine in regulation of the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in Acheta Domesticus L.Comparative and General Pharmacology, 1970
- Fine structure of the visual system of the honey bee (Apis mellifera): II. The LaminaJournal of Ultrastructure Research, 1970