Large layer VI neurons of monkey striate cortex (Meynert cells) project to the superior colliculus

Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1983 Aug 22;219(1214):53-9. doi: 10.1098/rspb.1983.0058.

Abstract

After injections of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the superior colliculus of macaque monkeys, labelled cells in the neocortex were found to be restricted to layer V in all areas except striate visual cortex. In striate visual cortex, cortico-tectal cells were found both in layer V and in layer VI. The labelled cells in the two layers belonged to morphologically different populations: those of layer V were the common pyramidal cells and those of layer VI were identified as solitary cells of Meynert. This finding may provide new insights into the physiology of the cortico-collicular pathways. It also shows that the striate area in primates differs, with respect to cortico-tectal laminar specificity, from other neocortex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Horseradish Peroxidase
  • Macaca fascicularis
  • Macaca nemestrina
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Superior Colliculi / cytology*
  • Visual Cortex / cytology*

Substances

  • Horseradish Peroxidase