Immunocytochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase in the visual cortex of the microbat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum.
Folia Histochem Cytobiol
; 58(2): 61-72, 2020.
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32490536
INTRODUCTION: In order to enhance our understanding of bat vision, we investigated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR) fibers in the visual cortex of the microbat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 12 freshly-caught adult bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, both sexes, weighing 15-20 g). We used standard immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: TH-IR fibers were distributed throughout all layers of the visual cortex, with the highest density in layer I. Two types of TH-IR fibers were observed: small and large varicose fibers. TH-IR cells were not found in the microbat visual cortex. The microbat substantia nigra and ventral tegmental areas, previously identified sources of TH-IR fibers in the mammalian visual cortex, all contained strongly labeled TH-IR cells. The average diameters of TH-IR cells in the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental areas were 14.39 ± 0.13 µm (mean ± SEM) and 11.85 ± 0.13 µm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the microbat has a well-constructed neurochemical organization of THIR fibers. This observation should provide fundamental insights into a better understanding of the nocturnal, echolocating bat visual system.
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MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Tirosina 3-Monooxigenasa
/
Corteza Visual
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Folia Histochem Cytobiol
Asunto de la revista:
HISTOCITOQUIMICA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article