The Lugaro Cell

Abstract

In 1894 LUGARO described a large cell lying in the upper granular layer of the cat and generating a peculiar axonal arborization that runs longitudinally, with the parallel fibers in the lower molecular layer. Because the axonal plexus was located more in the molecular than in the granular layer, LUGARO named this neuron the intermediate cell. Despite many attempts, RAMÓN y CAJAL (1911) never succeeded in impregnating such an axon in his own Golgi preparations. Nevertheless, he considered Lugaro's cell to be one of those horizontal fusiform cells that he classed among the large stellate (Golgi) cells of the granular layer. Now, as mentioned in the previous chapter, GOLGI (1874 and 1883) had originally described and figured these horizontal cells, but he did not differentiate their axonal pattern from that of the more common globular or polygonal cells that have become known by his name. His illustration does not depict the axon beyond its origin. RAMÓN Y CAJAL (1911) traced the axon of the horizontal cell downward through the granular layer to the white matter. In some instances ascending collaterals were given off to the molecular layer.