Synaptology of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-immunoreactive cells in the nervus terminalis of the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

J Comp Neurol. 1990 May 8;295(2):327-37. doi: 10.1002/cne.902950213.

Abstract

Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry were used to examine the structure of LHRH neurons and fibers in the nervus terminalis of the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). LHRH-immunoreactive neurons and fibers form a loose plexus within the fascicular network of the ganglion terminale on the median surface of the olfactory bulb. There are at least two populations of LHRH-immunoreactive neurons within the network of the ganglion terminale: fusiform and round neurons similar to those described in the forebrain. At the ultrastructural level, axosomatic and axodendritic contacts were seen between LHRH-immunoreactive and nonimmunoreactive elements in the ganglion terminale. These contacts were classified as 1) synaptic input, with asymmetric synapses seen between a nonimmunoreactive axon terminal and a LHRH-immunoreactive cell body or a nonimmunoreactive axon terminal and a LHRH-immunoreactive dendritic process. 2) synaptic output, with symmetric synapses seen between LHRH-immunoreactive and nonimmunoreactive processes. This study is the first systematic examination of the ultrastructure of the LHRH-immunoreactive neurons and their synaptic contacts in the nervus terminalis. The possible integrative roles for this LHRH-immunoreactive system are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Chemoreceptor Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Olfactory Bulb / cytology
  • Olfactory Bulb / metabolism*
  • Olfactory Pathways / cytology
  • Olfactory Pathways / metabolism*
  • Opossums / metabolism*
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone