Summary
Retinohypothalamic connections were studied in the duck after unilateral optic nerve transection using both light and electron microscopic techniques. Degenerated endings of optic fibers were found only in a circumscribed part of the anterior hypothalamic area, i.e. the ventral region of the contralateral suprachiasmatic nucleus. Images of degenerating boutons were observed in frozen sections (method according to Johnstone-Bowsher), and their presence confirmed by electron microscopic examination. These degenerating boutons make synaptic contacts with dendrites or dendritic spines of neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
In the same material, the decussation of the optic chiasma was studied with the light microscope. Uncrossed retinal fibers were found in the marginal optic tract, the basal optic root and occasionally also in the isthmo-optic tract.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Armstrong, J.A.: An experimental study of the visual pathways in a reptile (Lacerta vivipara). J. Anat. (Lond.) 84, 146–167 (1950)
Armstrong, J.A.: An experimental study of the visual pathways in a snake (Natrix natrix). J. Anat. (Lond.) 85, 275–288 (1951)
Assenmacher, I.: Recherches sur le contrôle hypothalamique de la fonction gonadotrope préhypophysaire chez le Canard. Arch. Anat. micr. Morph. exp. (Paris) 47, 447–572 (1958)
Barry, J., Dubois, M.P., Poulain, P.: LRF producing cells of the mammalian hypothalamus. A fluorescent antibody study. Z. Zellforsch. 146, 351–366 (1973)
Benoit, J.: Activation sexuelle obtenue chez le Canard par Féclairement artificiel pendant la période de repos génital. C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 199, 1671–1672 (1934)
Benoit, J.: Actions de divers éclairements localisés dans la région orbitaire sur la gonado-stimulation chez le Canard mâle impubère. Croissance testiculaire provoquée par l'éclairement direct de la région hypophysaire. C.R. Soc. Biol. (Paris) 127, 909–914 (1938)
Benoit, J., Assenmacher, I. (eds.): La photorégulation de la reproduction chez les Oiseaux et les Mammifeéres. C.N.R.S., Paris, p. 588 (1970)
Benoit, J., Assenmacher, I., Walter, F.X.: Dissociation expérimentale du rôle des récepteurs superficiel et profond dans la gonadostimulation hypophysaire par la lumiere chez le Canard. C.R. Soc. Biol. (Paris) 147, 186–191 (1953)
Benoit, J., Walter, F.X., Assenmacher, I.: Contribution à l'étude du réflexe opto-hypophysaire gonadostimulant chez le Canard soumis à des radiations lumineuses de diverses longueurs d'onde. J. Physiol. (Paris) 42, 537–541 (1950)
Bissonnette, T.H.: Modification of mammalian sexual cycles: Reactions of ferrets (Putorius vulgaris) of both sexes to electric light added after dark in November and December. Proc. roy. Soc. B 110, 322–336 (1932)
Blümcke, S.: Vergleichend experimentell-morphologische Untersuchungen zur Frage einer retinohypothalamischen Bahn bei Huhn, Meerschweinchen und Katze. Z. mikr.-anat. Forsch. 67, 469–513 (1961)
Bons, N.: Mise en évidence du croisement incomplet des nerfs optiques au niveau du chiasma chez le Canard. C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris), 268, 2186–2188 (1969)
Bons, N.: Mise en évidence au microscope électronique, de terminaisons nerveuses d'origine rétinienne dans l'hypothalamus antérieur du Canard. C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 278, 319–321 (1974)
Bons, N., Assenmacher, I.: Présence de fibres rétiniennes dégénérées dans la région hypothalamique supra-optique du Canard après section d'un nerf optique. C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 269, 1535–1538 (1969)
Bons, N., Assenmacher, I.: Nouvelles recherches sur la voie nerveuse rétinohypothalamique chez les Oiseaux. C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 277, 2529–2532 (1974)
Bons, N., Jallageas, M., Assenmacher, I.: Influence des récepteurs rétiniens et extra-rétiniens dans la stimulation testiculaire de la Caille par les “jours longs”. J. Physiol. (Paris) 71, No. 2, 265–266A (1975)
Brugi, G.: Reperti istologici sperimentali nel pollo a conferma dell esistenza di diretti connessioni del tratto ottico con la zona anteriore deU'ipotalamo. Monit. zool. ital. 48, 264–268 (1937)
Burns, A.H., Goodman, D.C.: Retinofugal projections of Caiman sclerops. Exp. Neurol. 18, 105–115 (1967)
Butler, A.B., Northcutt, R.G.: Retinal projections in Iguana iguana and Anolis carolinensis. Brain Res. 26, 1–13 (1971)
Clattenburg, R.E., Singh, R.P., Montemurro, D.O.: Post coital ultrastructural changes in neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the rabbit. Z. Zellforsch. 125, 448–459 (1972)
Conrad, C.D., Stumpf, W.E.: Retinal projections traced with thaw-mount autoradiography and multiple injections of tritiated precursor or precursor cocktail. Cell Tiss. Res. 155, 283–290 (1974)
Cowan, W.M., Adamson, L., Powell, T.P. S.: An experimental study of the avian visual system. J. Anat. (Lond.) 95, 545–553 (1961)
Crosby, E.L., Showers, M.J. L.: Comparative anatomy of the preoptic and hypothalamic areas. In: The hypothalamus (W. Haymaker, E. Anderson and W.J.H. Nauta, eds.), pp. 61–135. Springfield, Ill.: Ch.C. Thomas 1969
Davies, D.T., Follett, B.K.: Hypothalamic deafferentation in Coturnix quail and its blockade of photoperiodically induced testicular development. Gen. comp. Endocr. 22, 359 (1974)
Ebbesson, S.O. E.: On the organization of central visual pathways in vertebrates. Brain Behav. Evol. 3, 178–194 (1970)
Edinger, L., Wallenberg, A.: Untersuchungen über das Gehirn der Tauben. Anat. Anz. 15, 245–271 (1898)
Farner, D.S. (ed.): Breeding biology of birds. Nat. Acad. Sci. Washington D.C., p. 513 (1973)
Ferreira-Berrutti, P.: Experimental deflection of the course of the optic nerve in the chick embryo. Proc. Soc. exp. Biol. (N.Y.) 76, 302–303 (1951)
Fink, R.P., Heimer, L.: Two methods for selective silver impregnation of degenerating axons and their synaptic endings in the central nervous system. Brain Res. 4, 369–374 (1967)
Follett, B.K.: The neuroendocrine regulation of gonadotropin secretions in avian reproduction. In: Breeding biology of birds (D.S. Farner, ed.), pp. 209–243. Nat. Acad. Sci. Washington, D.C., 1973
Gruberg, E.R.: Functional organization of the tectum of the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum. Technical report 17, Biological Computor Laboratory, Engineering Experiment Station, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill. 1969
Halpern, M., Frumin, N.: Retinal projections in a snake, Thamnophis sirtalis. J. Morph. 141, 359–381 (1973)
Harris, W.: Binocular stereoscopic vision in man and other vertebrates, with its relation to the decussation of the optic nerves, the ocular movements and the pupil light reflex. Brain 27, 107–147 (1904)
Hartwig, H.G.: Das visuelle System von Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii. Neurohistologische Studien auf experimenteller Grundlage. Z. Zellforsch. 106, 556–583 (1970)
Hartwig, H.G.: Electron microscopic evidence for a retinohypothalamic projection to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of Passer domesticus. Cell Tiss. Res. 153, 89–99 (1974)
Hendrickson, A.E., Wagoner, N., Cowan, W.M.: An autoradiographic and electron microscopic study of retino-hypothalamic connections. Z. Zellforsch. 135, 1–26 (1972)
Herrick, C.J.: The amphibian forebrain. III. The optic tracts and centers of Ambystoma and the frog. J. comp. Neurol. 39, 433–489 (1925)
Herrick, C.J.: Optic and postoptic systems of fibers in the brain of Necturus. J. comp. Neurol. 75, 487–544 (1941)
Hjorth-Simonsen, A.: Fink-Heimer silver impregnation of degenerating axons and terminals in mounted cryostat sections of fresh and fixed brains. Stain Technol. 45, 199–204 (1970)
Huber, G.C., Crosby, E.G.: The nuclei and fibre paths of the avian diencephalon, with consideration of telencephalic and ertain mesencephalic centers and connexions. J. comp. Neurol. 48, 1–223 (1929)
Jackway, J.S., Riss, W.: Retinal projections in the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum. Brain Behav. Evol. 5, 401–442 (1972)
Johnstone, G., Bowsher, D.: A new method for the selective impregnation of degenerating axon terminals. Brain Res. 12, 47–53 (1969)
Karamandilis, A.N., Magras, J.: Retinal projections in the domestic ungulates. I. the retinal projections in the sheep and the pig. Brain Res. 44, 127–145 (1972)
Karamandilis, A.N., Magras, J.: Retinal projections in the domestic ungulates. II. the retinal projections in the horse and the ox. Brain Res. 66, 209–225 (1974)
Karten, H., Nauta, W.J. H.: Organization of retinothalamic projections in the pigeon and owl. Anat. Rec. 160, 373 (1968)
Knapp, H., Scalia, F., Riss, W.: The optic tracts of Rana pipiens. Acta neurol. scand. 41, 325–355 (1965)
Knowlton, V.Y.: Abnormal differentiation of embryonic avian brain centers associated with unilateral anophthalmia. Acta anat. (Basel) 58, 222–251 (1964)
Kokko, A., Rechardt, L.: Block-staining for electron microscopy of nervous tissue. Ann. Med. exp. Fenn. 46, 123–131 (1968)
Kosareva, A.A.: Projection of optic fibers to visual centers in a turtle (Emys orbicularis). J. comp. Neurol. 130, 263–276 (1967)
Luft, J.H.: Improvments in epoxy resin embedding methods. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 9, 409–414 (1961)
Meier, R.E.: Autoradiographic evidence for a direct retino-hypothalamic projection in the avian brain. Brain Res. 53, 417–421 (1973)
Menaker, M.: Synchronization with the photic environment via extraretinal receptors in the avian brain. In: Biochemistry (M. Menaker, ed.). Nat. Acad. Sci., Washington D.C., pp. 315–332 (1971)
Moore, R.Y.: Retinohypothalamic projection in mammals: a comparative study. Brain Res. 49, 403–409 (1973)
Moore, R.Y., Eichler, V.B.: Loss of circadian adrenal corticosterone rhythm following suprachiasmatic lesions in the rat. Brain Res. 42, 201–206 (1972)
Nauta, W.J. H.: Über die sogenannte terminale Degeneration im Zentralnervensystem und ihre Darstellung durch Silberimprägnation. Schweiz. Arch. Neurol. Psychiat. 66, 353–376 (1950)
Nauta, W.J. H., Gygax, P.A.: Silver impregnation of degenerating axon terminals in the central nervous system: 1 technique, 2 chemical notes. Stain Technol. 26, 5–11 (1951)
Nauta, W.J.H., Haymaker, W.: Retino-hypothalamic connections. In: The hypothalamus (W. Haymaker, E. Anderson and W.J.H. Nauta, eds.), pp. 136–209. Springfield, Ill.: Ch.C. Thomas 1969
Nauta, W.J. H., van Straaten, J.J.: The primary optic centers of the rat. An experimental study by the “bouton” method. J. Anat. (Lond.) 81, 127–134 (1947)
Northcutt, R.G., Butler, A.B.: Retinal projections in the Northern water snake Natrix sipedon sipedon (L.). J. Morph. 142, 117–135 (1974)
Oksche, A.: Retino-hypothalamic pathways in birds and mammals. In: La photorégulation de la reproduction chez les Oiseaux et les Mammifères (J. Benoit, I. Assenmacher, eds.), pp. 151–165. Paris: Coll. Int. C.N.R.S. No. 172, 1970
Oksche, A., Farner, D.S.: Neurohistological studies of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system of Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Aves, Passeriformes). Adv. Anat. Embr. Cell Biol. 48/4, 1–136 (1974)
Oksche, A., Hartwig, H.G.: Photoneuroendocrine systems and the third ventricle. Brain-endocrine interaction II. The ventricular system. Second. Int. Symp., Shizuoka 1974, pp. 40–53. Basel: Kargel 1975
Oliver, J.: Etude expérimentale des structures hypothalamiques impliquées dans le réflexe photosexuel chez la Caille. These de Spécialité Physiologie. Université de Montpellier p. 68 (1972)
O'Steen, W.K., Vaughn, G.M.: Radioactivity in the optic pathway and hypothalamus of the rat after intraocular injection of tritiated 5-hydroxytryptophan. Brain Res. 8, 209–212 (1968)
Page, K.M.: Histological methods for peripheral nerves. J. Med. Lab. Techn. 27, 1–17 (1970)
Perlia, R.: Über ein neues optisches Zentrum beim Huhn. Albrecht v. Graefes Arch. Ophthal. 35, 20–24 (1889)
Ralph, C.L., Fraps, R.M.: Long-term effects of diencephalic lesions on the ovary of the hen. Amer. J. Physiol. 197, 1279–1283 (1959a)
Ralph, C.L., Fraps, R.M.: Effects of hypothalamic lesions on progesterone induced ovulation in the hen. Endocrinology 65, 819–824 (1959b)
Repérant, J.: Etude expérimentale des projections visuelles chez la Vipère (Vipera aspis). C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 275, 695–697 (1972)
Repérant, J.: Les voies et les centres optiques primaires chez la Vipère (Vipera aspis). Arch. Anat. micr. Morph. exp. 62, 322–352 (1973)
Riss, W., Knapp, H.D., Scalia, F.: Optic pathways in Cryptobranchus allegheniensis as revealed by Nauta technique. J. comp. Neurol. 121, 31–43 (1963)
Rowan, W.M.: Relation of light to bird migrations and developmental changes. Nature (Lond.) 115, 494 (1925)
Stephan, F.K., Zucker, I.: Rat drinking rhythms: central visual pathways and endocrine factors mediating responsiveness to environmental illumination. Physiol. Behav. 8, 315–326 (1972)
Stephan, F.K., Zucker, I.: Circadian rhythms in drinking behavior and locomotor activity of rats are eliminated by hypothalamic lesions. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 69, 1583–1586 (1972)
Vullings, H.G. B., Kers, J.: The optic tracts of Rana temporaria and a possible retino-preoptic pathway. Z. Zellforsch. 139, 179–200 (1973)
Westrum, L.E., Lund, R.D.: Formalin perfusion for correlative light and electron microscopical studies of the nervous system. J. Cell Sci. 1, 229–238 (1966)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Dedicated to Professor Dr. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday
Supported by the DGRST and “European Training Program Brain and Behaviour Research”
I wish to express my gratitude to Professor Andreas Oksche, who repeatedly offered me the scientific facilities at the Department of Anatomy of the University of Giessen, and who provided me with valuable neuroanatomical suggestions throughout the progress of these studies.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bons, N. Retinohypothalamic pathway in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Cell Tissue Res. 168, 343–360 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00215312
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00215312