Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cerebellar projections to the nuclei ventralis lateralis and ventralis anterior thalami

Experimental electron microscopical and light microscopical studies in the cat

  • Published:
Brain Structure and Function Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

An experimental electron microscopical study has been made on the mode of termination of the cerebellothalamic projections in the cat. Supporting experimental light microscopical studies of silver impregnated sections following a large lesion of the cerebellar nuclei and light microscopical autoradiographic studies of the thalamus following injections of tritiated leucine in parts of the cerebellar nuclei, have been made as well. Following large lesions of the cerebellar nuclei, only the largest occuring type of bouton in the cat's VL and VA (type LR bouton) degenerates. Following such lesions, type LR boutons undergo a filamentous hypertrophy before becoming electrondense. One degenerating LR bouton establishes complex synapses with the dendrites of both thalamocortical relay cells and interneurons. Not all type LR boutons in VL and VA degenerate following lesions of the cerebellar nuclei. Light microscopical autoradiographic studies as well as experimental electron microscopical investigations indicate that cerebellothalamic fibers end in clusters within VL and VA, and that the areas of termination lie more rostrally within these thalamic nuclei than has been inferred from experimental studies of silver impregnated sections following lesions of the cerebellar nuclei. The findings are discussed with respect to relevant morphological and physiological data.

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

  • Akert, K., Cuénod, M., Moor, H.: Further observations on the enlargement of synaptic vesicles in degenerating optic nerve terminals of the avian tectum. Brain Res. 25, 255–263 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, P., Eccles, J. C., Sears, T. A.: The ventro-basal complex of the thalamus: types of cells, their responses and their functional organization. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 174, 370–399 (1964)

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Angaut, P.: Étude anatomique expérimentale des efférences cérébelleuses ascendantes. Analyse électro-anatomique des projections cérébelleuses sur le noyau ventral latéral du thalamus. 186 pp. Thesis, Paris 1969

  • Angaut, P.: The ascending projections of the nucleus interpositus posterior of the cat cerebellum: An experimental anatomical study using silver impregnation methods. Brain Res. 24, 377–394 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Angaut, P.: Bases anatomo-fonctionelles des interrelations cérébello-cérébrales. J. Physiol. (Paris) 67, 53A-116A (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Angaut, P., Bowsher, D.: Ascending projections of the medial cerebellar (fastigial) nucleus: an experimental study in the cat. Brain Res. 24, 49–68 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bodian, D.: An electron microscopic characterization of classes of synaptic vesicles by means of controlled aldehyde fixation. J. Cell Biol. 44, 115–124 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Brodal, A., Lacerda, A. M., Destombes, J., Angaut, P.: The pattern in the projection of the intracerebellar nuclei onto the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis in the cat. An experimental anatomical study. Exp. Brain Res. 16, 140–160 (1972)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, M. B.: Comparisons of the efferent projections of the globus pallidus and substantia nigra in the monkey. In: Efferent organization and the integration of behavior (ed.: Maser, J. D.), p. 137–174. New York and London: Academic Press 1973

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Colonnier, M., Guillery, R. W.: Synaptic organization in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the monkey. Z. Zellforsch. 62, 333–355 (1964)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Condé, H., Angaut, P.: An electrophysiological study of the cerebellar projections to the nucleus ventralis lateralis of thalamus in the cat. II Nucleus lateralis. Brain Res. 20, 107–119 (1970)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cowan, W. M., Gottlieb, D. I., Hendrickson, A. E., Price, J. L., Woolsey, T. A.: The autoradiographic demonstration of axonal connections in the central nervous system. Brain Res. 37, 21–51 (1972)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cuénod, M., Sandri, C., Akert, K.: Enlarged synaptic vesicles as an early sign of secondary degeneration in the optic nerve terminals of the pigeon. Cell Sci. 6, 605–613 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Desiraju, T., Purpura, D. P.: Synaptic convergence of cerebellar and lenticular projections to thalamus. Brain Res. 15, 544–547 (1969)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frigyesi, T. L., Purpura, D. P.: Functional properties of synaptic pathways influencing transmission in the specific cerebello-thalamocortical projection system. Exp. Neurol. 10, 305–324 (1964)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frigyesi, T. L., Schwartz, R.: Cortical control of thalamic sensorimotor relay activities in the cat and the squirrel monkey. In: Corticothalamic projections and sensorimotor activities (T. Frigyesi, E. Rinvik and M. D.Yahr, eds.), p. 161–191. New York: Raven Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, E. G., Guillery, R. W.: Synaptic morphology in the normal and degenerating nervous system. Int. Rev. Cytol. 19, 111–182 (1966)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gray, E. G., Hamlyn, L. H.: Electron microscopy of experimental degeneration in the avian optic tectum. J. Anat. (Lond.) 96, 309–316 (1962)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grofová, I., Rinvik, E.: Cortical and pallidal projections to the nucleus ventralis lateralis thalami. Electron microscopical studies in the cat. Z. Anat. 1974 (in press)

  • Harding, B. N.: An ultrastructural study of the centre median and ventrolateral thalamic nuclei of the monkey. Brain Res. 54, 335–340 (1973a)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harding, B. N.: An ultrastructural study of the termination of afferent fibres within the the ventrolateral and centre median nuclei of the monkey thalamus. Brain Res. 54, 341–346 (1973b)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hassler, R.: Spezifische und unspezifische Systeme des menschlichen Zwischenhirns. In: Progress in brain research, vol. 5, Lectures on the diencephalon (W. Bargmann and J. P. Schade, eds.), p. 1–32. Amsterdam: Elsevier 1964

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassler, R.: Hexapartition of inputs as a primary role of the thalamus. In: Corticothalamic projections and sensorimotor activities (T. Frigyesi, E. Rinvik and M. D. Yahr, eds.), p. 551–578, New York: Raven Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Holländer, H., Line Vaaland, J.: A reliable staining method for semithin sections in experimental neuroanatomy. Brain Res. 10, 120–126 (1968)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jasper, H., Ajmone-Marsan, C.: A stereotaxic atlas of the diencephalon of the cat. University of Toronto Press, published by The National Research Council of Canada 1954

  • Jones, E. G., Rockel, A. J.: The synaptic organization in the medial geniculate body of afferent fibres ascending from the inferior colliculus. Z. Zellforsch. 113, 44–66 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, E. G., Rockel, A. J.: Observations on complex vesicles, neurofilamentous hyperplasia and increased electron density during terminal degeneration in the inferior colliculus. J. comp. Neurol. 147, 93–118 (1973)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kawana, E., Akert, K., Bruppacher, H.: Enlargement of synaptic vesicles as an early sign of terminal degeneration in the rat caudate nucleus. J. comp. Neurol. 142, 297–308 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kievit, J., Kuypers, H. G. J. M.: Fastigial cerebellar projections to the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus and the organization of the descending pathways. In: Corticothalamic projections and sensorimotor activities (T. Frigyesi, E. Rinvik and M. D. Yahr, eds.), p. 91–124. New York: Raven Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Lasek, R. J.: Protein transport in neurons. Int. Rev. Neurobiol. 13, 289–324 (1970)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Majorossy, K., Réthelyi, M.: Synaptic architecture in the medial geniculate body (ventral division). Exp. Brain Res. 6, 306–323 (1968)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Massion, J.: Étude d'une structure motrice thalamique, le noyau ventrolatéral, et de sa régulation par les afférences sensorielles. 134 pp. Thesis, Paris 1968

  • Mehler, W. R.: Connections of the basal ganglia and of the cerebellum. Confin. neurol. (Basel), in press (1974)

  • Nauta, W. J. H.: Silver impregnation of degenerating axons. In: New research techniques of neuroanatomy (ed. Windle, W. F.), p. 17–26. Springfield, Ill.: Thomas 1957

    Google Scholar 

  • Pecci Saavedra, J., Vaccarezza, O. L., Mascitti, T. A.: Degeneration in the parvocellular portion of the lateral geniculate nucleus of the Cebus monkey. A light and electron microscope study. Z. Zellforsch. 93, 164–181 (1969)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purpura, D. P.: Synaptic mechanisms in coordination of activity in thalamic internuncial common paths. In: Corticothalamic projections and sensorimotor activities (T. Frigyesi, E. Rinvik and M. D. Yahr, eds.), p. 21–51. New York: Raven Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Purpura, D. P., Frigyesi, T. L., McMurtry, Scarff, T.: Synaptic mechanisms in thalamic regulation of cerebello-cortical projection activity. In: The thalamus (D. P. Purpura and M. D. Yahr, eds.), p. 153–170. New York: Columbia Univ. Press 1966

    Google Scholar 

  • Ralston, H. J. III: The synaptic organization of lemniscal projections to the ventrobasal thalamus of the cat. Brain Res. 14, 99–115 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ralston, H. J. III: Evidence for presynaptic dendrites and a proposal for their mechanism of action. Nature (Lond.) 230, 585–587 (1971)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rinvik, E., Grofová, I.: Light and electron microscopical studies of the normal nuclei ventralis lateralis and ventralis anterior thalami in the cat. Anat. Embryol. 146, 57–93 (1974a)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schlag, J., Waszak, M.: Characteristics of unit responses in nucleus reticularis thalami. Brain Res. 21, 286–288 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schlag, J., Waszak, M.: Elektrophysiological properties of units of the thalamic reticular complex. Exp.eNeurol, 32, 79–97 (1971)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Špaček, J., Liebermann, A. R.: Distribution of synaptic types on thalamo-cortical projection neurons of rat ventrobasal thalamus. Proc. Anat. Soc. Gr. Brit. and Irel., p. 17–18, 1973

  • Strick, P. L.: Light microscopic analysis of the cortical projection of the thalamic ventrolateral nucleus in the cat. Brain Res. 55, 1–24 (1973)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szabo, J.: Projections to some brain stem and thalamic structures from the cerebellum and entopeduncular nucleus in the cat. Anat. Rec., Abs. 172, 415 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J., Hámori, J., Tømbøl, T.: Degeneration and electron microscope analysis of the synaptic glomeruli in the lateral geniculate body. Exp. Brain Res. 2, 283–301 (1966)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Uno, M., Yoshida, M., Hirota, I.: The mode of cerebello-thalamic relay transmission investigated with intracellular recording from cells of the ventrolateral nucleus of cat's thalamus. Exp. Brain Res. 10, 121–139 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vaccarezza, O. L., Reader, T. A., Pasqualini, E., Pecci-Saavedra, J.: Temporal course of synaptic degeneration in the lateral geniculate nucleus. Exp. Neurol. 28, 277–285 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valdivia, O.: Methods of fixation and the morphology of synaptic vesicles. J. comp. Neurol. 142, 257–273 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wong-Riley, M. T. T.: Neuronal and synaptic organization of the normal dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus. J. comp. Neurol. 144, 15–60 (1972a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong-Riley, M. T. T.: Terminal degeneration and glial reactions in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the squirrel monkey after eye removal. J. comp. Neurol. 144, 61–92 (1972b)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anatomical Institute, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Eric Rinvik & Irena Grofová

Authors
  1. Eric Rinvik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Irena Grofová
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rinvik, E., Grofová, I. Cerebellar projections to the nuclei ventralis lateralis and ventralis anterior thalami. Anat. Embryol. 146, 95–111 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00341384

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00341384

Key words

Search

Navigation