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