Neurotensin-containing cell bodies, fibers and nerve terminals in the brain stem of the rat: Immunohistochemical mapping

doi:10.1016/0006-8993(79)90264-6

Brain Research

Volume 167, Issue 1, 4 May 1979, Pages 77-91

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(79)90264-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

Neurotensin immunoreactive perikarya, fibers and nerve terminals, visualized by the indirect immunohistofluorescent method in colchicine-pretreated animals, are localized in many discrete regions of the rat brain stem. Cell body groups are found in the inner aspect of the substantia gelatinosa of the caudal trigeminal nuclear complex, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the parabrachial nuclei, the locus coeruleus, the dorsal raphénucleus, the periaqueductal gray matter, and the ventral tegmental area of Tsai. These areas of cell body density are accompanied by concentrations of fibers and terminals, while the occasional positive perikaryon noted in the dorsal cochlear nucleus is accompanied by only sparse fluorescent fiber/terminal patterns. Other brain stem regions, such as the floor of the fourth ventricle and aspects of the caudal ventrolateral reticular formation, possess substantial numbers of fibers and terminals that are not accompanied by cell bodies. Many aspects of this distribution coincide with the brain stem distribution of the enkephalin pentapeptides, though significant differences in localization are also evident. Interactions of neurotensin with other neurotransmitter candidates are also suggested by its presence in areas enriched in norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and substance P. Certain neurotensin localizations suggest an association of the peptide with functional brain systems preferentially involving these regions. In particular periaqueductal gray and substantia gelatinosa neurotensin synapses are plausible sites for the analgesia elicited after intercisternal injection of low doses of neurotensin.

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Neurotensin-containing cell bodies, fibers and nerve terminals in the brain stem of the rat: Immunohistochemical mapping

Abstract

J. biol. Chem.

J. biol. Chem.

J. biol. Chem.

J. biol. Chem.

Europ. J. Pharmacol.

Brain Research

Neuropharmacology

Brain Research

Brain Research

Life Sci.

Respiratory synchronizing function of nucleus parabrachialis medialis: pneumotaxic mechanisms

J. Neurophysiol.

Fluorescent antibody methods

Evidence for the existence of monoamine-containing neurons in the central nervous system. I. Demonstration of monoamines in the cell bodies of brainstem neurons

Acta physiol. scand.

Golgi studies of the substantia gelatinosa neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus

J. comp. Neurol.