Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Enzyme-histochemical studies on the hypothalamus with special reference to the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

  • Published:
Zeitschrift für Zellforschung und Mikroskopische Anatomie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Detailed histochemical studies have been made on the distribution of various enzymes such as phosphatases, cholinesterases, glycolytic enzymes and respiratory enzymes in various components of the hypothalamus with special reference to the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the Squirrel Monkey. Cytological studies have also been made by the McManus, Einarson, Gomori and Bargmann methods.

A few neurons of these nuclei showed scanty Gomori-positive material in the cytoplasm for the Gomori and Bargmann methods. Nissl granules were located in the peripheral cytoplasm of most neurons. No glycogen granules were observed in these neurons. For these reasons, the Squirrel Monkey, like the rat, may not be a suitable species for the study of neurosecretory phenomena.

The axons of these neurons were negative for the specific cholinesterase test, though the perikaryon and some parts of the processes gave a moderately positive reaction. These neurons may be non-cholinergic and the cholinergic fibers from an unknown nucleus may end in synapses on their cell bodies. Blood vessels and glial cells in the neurosecretory nuclei showed non-specific cholinesterase activity. This enzyme may hydrolyze the acetylcholine which has escaped splitting by specific cholinesterase. Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in these neurons may be involved in the metabolism concerned with the production of neurosecretory material. The neurons may be physicochemical receptors and may get enough energy and raw material to synthesize the neurosecretory material from the rich blood supply. Neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei as well as other hypothalamic neurons, like neurons of other regions of the brain, are well equipped with the enzymes of the glycolytic pathways and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Since the glial cells of these nuclei have amylophosphorylase activity and glycolytic pathways, they may work as energy donators to the neurons of the neurosecretory nuclei.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abe, T., and N. Shimizu: Histochemical method for demonstrating aldolase. Histochemie 4, 209–212 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, Y. Yamada, H. Hashimoto, and N. Shimizu: Histochemical study of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the brain of normal adult rat. Med. J. Osaka Univ. 14, 67–98 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Abrahams, V. C., G. B. Koelle, and P. Smart: Histochemical demonstration of cholinesterases in the hypothalamus of the dog. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 139, 137–144 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Amakawa, F.: Studies on the polysaccharide synthesis of the central nervous tissue with special reference to the phosphorylase reaction and several enzymes [Japanese]. Kumamoto Igakkai Zasshi 33, 1–37 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bargmann, W.: Über die neurosekretorische Verknüpfung von Hypothalamus und Neurohypophyse. Z. Zellforsch. 34, 610–634 (1948/49).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: Die elektive Darstellung einer marklosen diencephalen Bahn. Microskopie 5, 289–292 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The neurosecretory system of the diencephalon. Endeavour 19, 125–133 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Brightman, N. W., and R. W. Albers: Species differences in the distribution of extraneuronal cholinesterases within the vertebrate central nervous system. J. Neurochem. 4, 244–250 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Burstone, M. S.: Enzyme Histochemistry and its Application in the study of Neoplasms. New York and London: Academic Press 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohn, P., M. K. Gaitonde, and D. Richter: The localization of protein formation in the rat brain. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 126, 7p (1954).

  • —, and D. Richter: Enzymic development and maturation of the hypothalamus. J. Neurochem. 1, 166–172 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Coupland, R. E., and R. L. Holmes: The use of cholinesterase techniques for the demonstration of peripheral nervous structures. Quart. J. micr. Sci. 98, 327–330 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Einarson, L.: Method for progressive selective staining of Nissl and nuclear substance in nerve cells. Amer. J. Path. 8, 295–308 (1932).

    Google Scholar 

  • Eränkö, O.: Histochemical evidence of intense phosphatase activity in the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei of the rat. Acta physiol. scand. 24, 1–6 (1951).

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldberg, W., and M. Vogt: Acetylcholine synthesis in different regions of the central nervous system. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 107, 372–381 (1948).

    Google Scholar 

  • Finley, K. H.: The capillary bed of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Trans. Assoc. Res. nerv. ment. Dis. 18, 1–19 (1937).

    Google Scholar 

  • Glenner, G. G., H. Burtner, and G. W. Brown: The histochemical demonstration of monoamine oxidase activity by tetrazolium salts. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 5, 591–600 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomori, G.: Microtechnical demonstration of phosphatase in tissue sections. Proc. Soc. exp. Biol. (N.Y.) 42, 23–26 (1939a).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: A differential stain for cell types in the pancreatic islets. Amer. J. Path. 15, 497–500 (1939b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hess, R., D. G. Scarpelli, and A. G. E. Pearse: Cytochemical localization of oxidative enzymes. II. Pyridine nucleotide-linked dehydrogenase. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 4, 753–760 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Howe, A., and A. G. E. Pearse: A histochemical investigation of neurosecretory substance in the rat. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 4, 561–569 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyden, H., and A. Pigon: A cytophysiological study of the functional relationship between oligodendroglial cells and nerve cells of Deiters nucleus. J. Neurochem. 6, 57–62 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Iijima, K.: On the distribution of the amylophosphorylase of the mammalian cerebelli. Bull. Tokyo Med. Dent. Univ. 11, 77–101 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • - G. H. Bourne, and T. R. Shantha: Histochemical studies on the distribution of enzymes of glycolytic pathways in the area postrema of the Squirrel Monkey. Acta histochem. (Jena) in press (1967).

  • —, and Y. Nakajima: Histochemical studies on the oxidative enzymes of the human cerebellum. Bull. Tokyo Med. Dent. Univ. 11, 103–135 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Imai, K.: Some observations on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal neurosecretory system in the albino rat. Gunma J. med. Sci. 3, 281–296 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ishii, Y.: The histochemical studies of cholinesterase in the central nervous system. I. Normal distribution in rodents. Arch, histol. jap. 12, 587–611 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kivalo, E., U. K. Rinne, and S. Mäkelä: Acetylcholinesterase, acid phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase in the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei after chlorpromazine administration. Experientia (Basel) 14, 293–294 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Koelle, G. B.: The histochemical differentiation of types of cholinesterases and their localization in tissues of the cat. J. Pharmcol. exp. Ther. 100, 158–179 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The histochemical localization of cholinesterases in the central nervous system of the rat. J. comp. Neurol 100, 211–235 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: Cholinesterases of the central nervous system. J. Neuropath. exp. Neurol. 14, 23–27 (1955a).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The histochemical identification of acetylcholinesterase in cholinergic, adrenergic and sensory neurons. J. Pharmacol. exp. Ther. 114, 167–184 (1955b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Manocha, S. L., and G. H. Bourne: Histochemical mapping of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase in the spinal cord, medulla oblongata and cerebellum of Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Exp. Brain Res. 2, 216–229 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Manocha, S. L., and T. R. Shantha, and G. H. Bourne: Histochemical studies on the spinal cord of the Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Exp. Brain Res. in press (1967).

  • McManus, J. F. A.: Histologieal demonstration of mucin after periodic acid. Nature (Lond.) 158, 202 (1946).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nachlas, M. M., L. C. Tsou, E. D. Souza, C. S. Cheng, and A. M. Seligman: Cytochemical demonstration of succinic dehydrogenase by the use of new P-nitrophenyl substituted ditetrazole. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 5, 420–436 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakajima, Y.: Histochemical studies on carbohydrate metabolism of the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve in the rat. Bull. Tokyo Med. Dent. Univ. 12, 265–282 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nandy, K., and G. H. Bourne: Histochemical studies on the ependyma lining the lateral ventricle of the rat with a note on its possible functional significance. Ann. Histochim. 9, 305–314 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Padykula, H. A., and E. Herman: Factors affecting the activity of adenosine triphosphatase and other phosphatases measured by histochemical techniques. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 3, 161–169 (1955a).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The specificity of the histochemical method for adenosine triphosphatase. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 3, 170–195 (1955b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Palay, S. L.: Neurosecretory phenomena in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system of man and monkey. Amer. J. Anat. 93, 107–141 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickford, M.: The action of actylcholine in the supraoptic nucleus of the chloralosed dog. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 106, 264–270 (1947).

    Google Scholar 

  • Samorajski, T., and G. R. Fitz: Histochemical analysis of phosphomonoesterase in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland of the rat. Lab. Invest. 9, 517–534 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiebler, T. H.: Zur Histochemie des neurosekretorischen Hypothalamisch-Neurohypophysären Systems. Acta anat. (Basel) 13, 233–255 (1951).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shanthaveerappa, T. R., and G. H. Bourne: Histochemical studies on the distribution of oxidative and dephosphorylating enzymes and esterases in the olfactory bulb glomeruli. Anat. Rec. 151, 475 (1965a).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: Histochemical studies on the distribution of dephosphorylating and oxidative enzymes and esterases in the olfactory bulb of the Squirrel Monkey. J. nat. Cancer Inst. 35, 153–165 (1965b).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: Histochemical studies on the olfactory glomeruli of the Squirrel Monkey. Histochemie 5, 125–129(1965c).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, M. B. Waitzman, and G. H. Bourne: Studies on the distribution of phosphorylase in eyes of the rabbit and the Squirrel Monkey. Histochemie 7, 80–95 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shantha, T. R., K. Iijima, and G. H. Bourne: Histochemical studies on the cerebellum of Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Acta histochem. (Jena) 27, 1–26 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Scharrer, E., u. R. Gaupp: Neuere Befunde am Nucleus supraopticus und Nucleus paraventricularis des Menschen. Z. ges. Neurol. Psychiat. 148, 766–772 (1933).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and B. Scharrer: Neurosecretion. Physiol. Rev. 25, 171–181 (1945).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, S. L. Palay, and R. G. Nilges: Neurosecretion. VIII. The Nissl substance in secreting nerve cells. Anat. Rec. 92, 23–31 (1945).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shimizu, N.: Histochemical studies on the phosphatase of the nervous system. J. comp. Neurol. 93, 201–218 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and T. Kumamoto: Histochemical studies on the glycogen of the mammalian brain. Anat. Rec. 114, 479–498 (1952).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and N. Morikawa: Histochemical studies of succinic dehydrogenase of the brain of mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 5, 334–345 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and Y. Ishii: Histochemical studies of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase of the rabbit brain, with special reference to the results in the paraventricular structures. J. comp. Neurol. 108, 1–22 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and M. Okada: Histochemical studies of monoamine oxidase of the brain of rodents. Z. Zellforsch. 49, 389–400 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and M. Okada: Histochemical distribution of phosphorylase in rodent brain from newborn to adults. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 5, 459–471 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sloper, J. C.: Histochemical observations on the neurohypophysis in dog and cat, with reference to the relationship between neurosecretory material and posterior lobe hormone. J. Anat. 88, 576–577 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • Takeuchi, T., and G. G. Glenner: Histochemical demonstration of a pathway for polysaccharide synthesis from uridinediphosphoglucose. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 8, 227–230 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and H. Kuriaki: Histochemical detection of phosphorylase in animal tissue. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 3, 153–160 (1955).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, E., and A. G. E. Pearse: The fine localization of dehydrogenases in the nervous system. Histochemie 2, 266–282 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Troger, J. R.: Neurosecretion in the hibernating bat. The morphology of the hypothalamohypophyseal system. Anat. Rec. 151, 77–92 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wachstein, M., and E. Meisel: Histochemistry of hepatic phosphatases at a physiological pH with special reference to the demonstration of bile canaliculi. Amer. J. clin. Path. 27, 13–23 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wislocki, G. B., and E. W. Dempsey: The chemical cytology of the choroid plexus and blood brain barrier of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta). J. comp. Neurol. 88, 319–346 (1948).

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and E. H. Leduc: Vital staining of the hematoencephalic barrier by silver nitrate and trypan blue and cytological comparisons of the neurohypophysis, pineal body, area postrema, intercolumnar tubercle and supraoptic crest. J. comp. Neurol. 96, 371–414 (1952).

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamada, Y.: Histochemical observations on alteration of activities of cytochrome oxidase in the brain of rat from late fetal life. Med. J. Osaka Univ. 11, 383–400 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center Emory University, 30322, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    K. Iijima (Visiting scientist), T. R. Shantha & G. H. Bourne

  2. Anatomy Dept., Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan

    K. Iijima (Visiting scientist)

Authors
  1. K. Iijima
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. R. Shantha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. H. Bourne
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

T. R. Shanthaveerappa in previous publications.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Iijima, K., Shantha, T.R. & Bourne, G.H. Enzyme-histochemical studies on the hypothalamus with special reference to the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Z. Zellforsch. 79, 76–91 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335245

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335245

Keywords

Search

Navigation