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Demonstration by degeneration silver method of the ascending projection from the locus ceruleus

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Summary

In order to demonstrate the ascending projection from the locus ceruleus by degeneration silver method, the nucleus was destroyed unilaterally in rats and the brains were stained by a modified Fink-Heimer method following various survival times. Additional experiments included the bilateral destruction of the locus ceruleus and the administration of 6-OH-DOPA.

For the demonstration of degenerated terminals in the cerebral cortex it is essential to choose an optimal survival time of 4 or 5 days, keep the time of fixation below 1 week, and perform treatments with permanganate and with silver at 37°C.

The trajectory and distribution of the cerulo-cortical tract as revealed by the silver degeneration methods is in agreement with the results of the histofluorescence method, with some minor differences. The ascending fibers run through Forel's tegmental fascicle, turn rostro-ventrally to the subthalamus, enter and cross the internal capsule, pass through the ventral part of the caudate-putamen and distribute to the entire cerebral cortex. The tract is mainly ipsilateral, though some fibers are crossing.

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Abbreviations

BC:

Brachium conjunctivum

C:

Cingulum

CA:

Commissura anterior

CC:

Corpus callosum

CE:

Capsula externa

CI:

Capsula interna

CG:

Central grey matter

CP:

Nucleus caudatus putamen

DA:

Diagonal band of Broca

F:

Fornix

FR:

Fasciculus retroflexus

GP:

Globus pallidus

H:

Hypothalamus

HF:

Hippocampal formation

LC:

Locus ceruleus

LM:

Lemniscus medialis

MFB:

Medial forebrain bundle

MT:

Fasciculus mamillothalamicus

O:

Nucleus n. oculomotorii

PM:

Pedunculus mamillaris

R:

Nucleus ruber

SP:

Septum pellucidum

TM:

Motor nucleus of V nerve

V:

Nucleus ventralis thalami

VM:

Nucleus ventralis medialis thalami

ZI:

Zona incerta

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Shimizu, N., Ohnishi, S., Tohyama, M. et al. Demonstration by degeneration silver method of the ascending projection from the locus ceruleus. Exp Brain Res 20, 181–192 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234012

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234012

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